Glasgow subway closed as strikes over pay continue

The Glasgow subway is closed on Friday as workers continue their strike amid an ongoing pay dispute.

More than 100 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) workers are to take part in industrial action on Friday and Saturday.

Workers also took strike action on Wednesday, bringing the city’s subway system to a stop.

Services resumed on Thursday as thousands attended Hampden Park to see Lana Del Rey perform.

However, those attending Simple Minds at the Summer Sessions on Friday will need to make alternative travel arrangements as the subway closes again.

Industrial action had previously been called off while staff considered a new pay deal, but Unite the union announced it had been rejected by staff on Tuesday.

“The offer tabled by SPT was overwhelmingly rejected by our members,” Andrew Brown, Unite industrial officer, previously said.

“SPT has only itself to blame for failing to come up with any workable solution to this dispute,e which stretches back to last year.”

The dispute centres on the working conditions of SPT workers as Unite claims the subway system is “struggling” to operate due to chronic understaffing.

The union says train drivers and station staff are routinely working up to ten hours beyond contracted hours to keep the system operating without any improvements to shifts, overtime, and weekend allowances.

Unite said its members are also repeatedly called in to work shifts at short notice, which leads to significant work-life pressures.

SPT said it is “disappointed” workers have resorted to striking, but maintained it will work with the union to resolve any issues.

Director of transport operations at SPT, Richard Robinson, said: “To date, all discussions with Unite the Union have been about pay and pay-related matters. SPT has made a reasonable and fair offer to Unite following detailed negotiations with them, which is both affordable and would protect jobs. It is disappointing that Unite members have decided to reject this offer and go ahead with industrial action, which only impacts our customers.

“Currently, the Subway is operating at full staffing. A fact which has been accepted by Unite. In addition, Unite also accepts that overtime (OT) for staff is voluntary and not compulsory. The average OT hours worked by staff is circa two hours per week.

“SPT remains committed to seeking a resolution through positive ongoing negotiations.”