Challenge to Unite the Union

The Workers of England Union is a small, dynamic, and progressive trade union establishing a growing reputation for looking after its members better than the traditional unions. Our campaign team is now issuing a challenge to the leadership of Unite the Union: prove you can still be effective and put your members’ interests first—rather than focusing solely on your ambitions within the Labour Party.

Exposing Metrolink Management Concerns

On 22nd July 2015, one of our activists captured two Metrolink managers in a public area, openly discussing how vulnerable the network would be if an effective trade union went straight to the negotiating table. They admitted that staffing levels were so low that drivers were forced to work overtime and on their rest days to keep services running. Effectively, these managers confirmed that Unite had “the upper hand” and could have avoided a strike simply by informing drivers to refuse rest-day shifts—especially during the busy football season.

For more on ongoing Metrolink staffing and safety issues, read our related article: Metrolink Managers’ Loose Talk May Close Manchester Trams and Cost Millions.

Unite’s Golden Opportunity

By handing over this golden nugget of information, the Workers of England Union has given Unite a clear chance to improve staffing levels and pay for Metrolink drivers. Unite, will you act now to enhance your members’ working conditions?

We are not seeking thanks. We simply expect Unite to do what any effective union would: use the evidence we’ve supplied to secure better terms for your members and keep Manchester’s trams running safely and reliably.

Media Coverage

The story has been reported by several outlets—please review the articles below for full details:

• Mirror.co.uk
• BuryTimes.co.uk
• ManchesterEveningNews.co.uk
• TheBoltonNews.co.uk

A Call to Action

We have shone a spotlight on Metrolink management’s loose talk and heightened awareness of crucial health and safety risks. Now, the ball is in Unite’s court. As Eddie Bone, President of the Workers of England Union, states:

“So come on Unite! Be an effective trade union and don’t let your members—and Manchester’s tram-using public—down.”

Contact Information

Eddie Bone
President, Workers of England Union
Mobile: 07980 667 732
Office: 01206 766 899
Twitter: @WoEUnion

Further Reading

• Previous Post: Metrolink Managers’ Loose Talk May Close Manchester Trams and Cost Millions
• Next Post: Is it One Rule for Drivers and One Rule for Managers at Metrolink?