Nottingham's MPs have backed city tram staff who are locked in a dispute, and threatening to strike, over the treatment of two terminally ill workers. The three Labour politicians said they were disappointed by the actions of Nottingham Express Transit (NET) after the GMB Union said the pair were facing pay cuts.
The union has been balloting hundreds of members on industrial action, which could take place on every Saturday up until Christmas. “Terminally ill workers and their families deserve proper protections from their employer at what is an unimaginably difficult time," said Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, who said she was proud of the union members.
Lillian Greenwood, who represents Nottingham South, said: "I’m disappointed that the tram management have backtracked on previous commitments and that GMB union members now feel that they have no alternative but to consider industrial action to defend their colleagues. Protections for terminally ill workers matter to all of us, keeping us safe at work when we need it most.
Read more: Nottingham tram workers could strike over threat of pay cut for terminally ill staff
"It’s time for the company to listen to the concerns of tram workers and commit to stand by the principles and spirit of the Dying To Work charter." Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, said he was also in support of the workers, adding that he hoped it would be resolved soon.
NET said it provided levels of support exceeding those set out in the TUC's Dying to Work Charter. GMB 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, 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". Colin Whyatt, GMB Organiser, said it was a shocking lack of respect shown by Keolis, the men's employer which is a major part of the consortium that runs NET.
An NET spokesperson said: "Although we are unable to comment on any individual cases, we have provided levels of support for employees that far exceed those set out in the TUC’s Dying to Work Charter. Clearly, we are disappointed that the GMB Union has threatened to take unnecessary industrial action, but we will continue to work towards a resolution to what is a very sensitive issue and remain committed to the Charter.”
It comes after union members took part in a 24-hour strike last November in a dispute over pay. Control room workers and technicians were also involved in the action, organised by the GMB union, after a pay rise was turned down.
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