Bosses have committed to a charter protecting Nottingham tram workers when facing a terminal illness following threats to strike from a union. GMB members won the commitment from bosses to remain in the Dying to Work Charter, but say they intend to continue their balloting for industrial action.
The union has today welcomed the news that Keolis, the company responsible for Nottingham trams, has agreed to re-commit to remaining a signatory to the Dying To Work Charter. Last month, NottinghamshireLive reported that Nottingham tram workers could take strike action on every Saturday up until Christmas over the treatment of two terminally ill colleagues.
The union said workers are "balloting in outrage after the company announced it would slash the pay of Robert Currie, an RAF veteran, and popular local tram worker David Brown as they battle life-threatening conditions". In a statement in October, it added that "despite long and dedicated service to Nottingham trams, both are now confronting the double threat of serious illness in their personal lives and massive loss of earnings".
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Despite the confirmation that Keolis will remain a signatory to the charter, GMB members will continue with their ballot. The ballot ends on November 14 and could see tram disruption in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Colin Whyatt, GMB organiser, said: "This is a first step in protecting our colleagues facing terminal illness. Our members fought for and won the Dying To Work protections at Nottingham trams, and it is fantastic that the threat of industrial action has forced the employer to re-commit to guarantee these protections.
“However, the fight for our two terminally ill colleagues goes on. These are Nottingham tram workers facing threats of income less due to their terminal illness - it's one thing for Keolis to re-commit to Dying To Work but another to see them actually act on the principles and protections it brings.
“Our ballot remains open until November 14 and Nottingham tram workers themselves will decide. Nothing is off the table and our members are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with terminally ill colleagues."
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