Edinburgh Tram workers win dispute over lack of toilet breaks

Edinburgh tram workers have won their dispute over a lack of toilet and comfort breaks, a union has confirmed.

Staff on the city’s tram line voted in favour of strike action in a ballot before Edinburgh Trams accepted Unite the Union’s calls for agreed rest periods and comfort breaks.

Workers had reported that late running times at Edinburgh Airport prevented them having breaks, leading to wider health concerns.

Unite said an increase in tram driver recruitment is now also expected to provide the level of service required to properly cover routes.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a dispute over basic dignity at work.

“While we are pleased that this dispute is settled, it should not have taken the threat of industrial action to result in a U-turn by Edinburgh Trams.

“Being treated with dignity and respect is a human right, not a benefit that employers can withdraw on a whim.”

“Unite backed its tram membership all the way in their fight for decency and dignity at work and won.”

Lyn Turner, Unite industrial officer said: “Edinburgh’s tram workers were forced to threaten industrial action following legitimate concerns around rest and comfort breaks, which angered our members. Appropriate running times should have been negotiated prior to the Newhaven line being opened.

“Unite is pleased that the dispute is over, but anyone with an ounce of basic decency knows it should not have come to this in the first place.”

Edinburgh Trams has been contacted for comment.