GLASGOW Subway staff have announced further strike action that could potentially see the service shut during a major music festival.
Trade union Unite announced on Tuesday that workers are set to walk out on July 11, 12, and 13 – the same weekend as Scotland’s biggest music festival, TRNSMT.
The new dates come after more than 100 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) staff staged walk outs last Wednesday, Friday and Saturday amid disputes over poor working conditions.
Andrew Brown, Unite industrial officer, said: “SPT can fix this dispute at any point but they are refusing to do so.
“It needs to make an improved offer which our members can then seriously consider.
“Strike action is now set to take place later this month which will again bring the subway to a complete stop.
“This isn’t inevitable if SPT come back to the table with an improved offer, but if they don’t, then the blame will be entirely with them for their failure to fix this dispute.”
The dispute is focused on working conditions as Unite say staff are “struggling” to keep the subway running due to understaffing issues.
The union says train drivers are routinely working up to 10 hours over contracted times to keep the trains running despite no improvements to shifts, overtime arrangements and weekend allowances.
Staff are also repeatedly called in to work shifts at short notice, which leads to significant work-life pressures, according to Unite.
If the July strikes go ahead, it could cause significant disruption in Glasgow as thousands of music fans are set to descend upon the city for TRNSMT.
Headliners include Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol and Fontaines DC, with Kneecap dropped from the festival after the organisers cited “police concerns”.
Director of Transport Operations Richard Robinson said: “SPT has worked collaboratively with Unite officials to develop a fair and reasonable offer while also seeking to protect jobs.
"We are disappointed that their members decided not to accept it. Unite has now called for further industrial action which will only cause further disruption to passengers at another busy time for the city.
"As discussed, and has been accepted by Unite officials, the Subway is currently operating at slightly above the required headcount for current service, with the average voluntary overtime of two hours per week.
"SPT continues to seek a resolution with Unite officials and we apologise for the disruption this is causing to passengers.”
