Member Article

Leeds bus manufacturers Optare facing union strike action

Optare, the Leeds-based bus and coach manufacturer, say negotiations have broken down, and they have not been able to prevent union led strike action at their Sherburn manufacturing facility.

Strike action is set to take place on May 27 with another date planned for June 2. The initial date for the strike was set for Friday May 23.

However, the firm said: “Talks between Optare’s senior management team and the union representatives remain ongoing and it is hoped that a resolution can be found in due course.”

170 Unite union members, working at Optare’s Sherburn site in Elmet have returned a ‘yes’ vote in favour of strike (81%) according to the organisation.

88% voted in favour of action short of strike over the company’s two week summer shutdown proposals, which will see workers forced to take their annual leave in the middle of August.

Richard Bedford, Unite regional officer, said: “The union’s members are taking strike action with a heavy heart but Optare’s plans to force hard pressed workers to take their annual leave when the average price of a family holiday is considerably higher is a step too far.

“Despite offering a number of alternatives and compromises, including a shorter period of shutdown to resolve the dispute, the company has refused to budge, leaving the workforce with no choice but to take action.

“Our members have previously enjoyed flexibility in their holiday entitlement but are now being forced to take annual leave in the high summer season when the average price of a summer holiday is a great deal higher.

“Many will simply be unable to take a break at this time in the season. For example, a four night stay at Woburn Forest Bedfordshire lodge accommodation is 51% higher in August than when off-peak.

“Unite is calling on Optare to get back around the table to find a solution so that workers can get back to the job of making buses and coaches.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .