Glasgow Subway strikes called off ahead of TRNSMT

Strikes set to shut Glasgow’s subway during the TRNSMT music festival have been called off, as staff accepted an interim offer.

Members of Unite the union were set to walk out on July 11, 12, and 13 in a dispute over pay and “intolerable” working conditions.

The dates for strike action were set to coincide with the weekend of Scotland’s biggest music festival, TRNSMT, with thousands of fans set to descend on Glasgow city over the weekend.

However, following an enhanced interim offer by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), strike action has been suspended as members backed the new pay, terms and conditions offer on Thursday.

The deal will deliver an increase in basic pay, allowances, sick pay, and overtime rates, along with SPT’s commitment to negotiate the future terms and conditions of workers in line with the subway modernisation plan.

The overall cost of the interim deal to SPT is estimated to be around £245,000 per year, the union said.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members should be applauded for remaining strong and taking the brave stance of industrial action to get a better deal from SPT.

“Pay and allowances have all been significantly improved alongside a commitment by SPT to address the future working conditions of Glasgow’s subway system.”

Unite’s members previously walked out for three days at the end of June, which brought the subway system to a stop

An SPT spokesperson said: “Following constructive negotiations and collaborative working with Unite the Union, SPT can confirm that an agreement has been reached that will end the proposed industrial strike action planned for this weekend (11,12,and 13 July).

“We are pleased that working together we have found a solution and way forward which is good news for our customers. We know how important the Subway is to the public transport network in Glasgow and services will now be running over this busy weekend for the city.”