18 Oct 2010

Strike threat over Blackpool's 'fat' bus drivers

Drivers in Blackpool could strike if two colleagues, suspended for being too fat, are not immediately allowed back behind the wheel. Union bosses will hold crunch talks with Blackpool Transport management on Monday – amid a stark warning from the union.
The Unite Union today said if the drivers were not allowed back to work its 400 members, who work for the bus and tram operator, will ballot on whether to take industrial action. That could be up to and including strikes.
As The Gazette exclusively revealed earlier this week, anger is mounting over the decision to suspend the two bus drivers. Unions say the two men were told they had to lose 7lbs in the next four weeks or face suspension without pay.
John Boughton, Unite regional organiser said: "We are hoping to resolve this sensitive matter when we have the meeting with management on Monday. We will be asking for the two drivers to be reinstated immediately."
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

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