Glasgow Subway strikes suspended as staff set to vote on new pay offer tabled by SPT

Planned strikes set to impact services on Glasgow’s Subway have been suspended, as staff consider a new offer tabled by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

More than 100 workers who are members of Unite the Union were set to walk out on June 21.

However, following a new deal offered by SPT, strike action has been suspended as members are set to vote on the new pay, terms and conditions offer on Sunday.

Unite said that if there is no agreement, strike action set to take place on June 25, 27 and 28 will still go ahead.

A continuous ban on overtime, which came into force on June 13, remains in place.

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 members are also repeatedly called in to work shifts at short notice leading to significant work-life pressures.

Andrew Brown, Unite industrial officer, said: “An interim offer has been tabled by SPT. Our members will now decide if it provides a temporary solution until a wider long-term agreement can be secured.

“Strike action has been suspended for this Saturday as an act of good faith while members are balloted on the offer.”

SPT director of transport operations Richard Robinson said: “We welcome the suspension of the Subway strike planned for Saturday June 21 by Unite. We believe this is the right decision in light of ongoing negotiations. This allows time for Unite members to consider the revised interim offer which is both fair and affordable.

“SPT remains committed to further discussions with Unite to look at longer term arrangements for future Subway operations.”