‘Vulnerable children and adults are the ones who ultimately suffer’
Leeds bus drivers to strike after passenger attacks in council dispute. (Image of a minibus driver driving through floodwater in Wales)(Image: Daily Post Wales)
Transport workers across Leeds who claim “funding cuts” have led to attacks on drivers are set to strike from Friday amid a dispute with the council over safety.
Almost 80 Unite workers in Leeds who transport people with additional needs are set to walk out from Friday, January 9 over claims Leeds City Council cuts have put both staff and service users at risk. The council says it has been working hard to resolve concerns, which it takes seriously, and despite increased pressure on transport services nationally there have been no cuts to frontline services in Leeds, where staff numbers have increased.
Unite says funding cuts in the past 18 months have led to a lack of vital equipment like restraints, and a lack of first aid and risk assessments, which has in turn led to staff and service users being hurt. One of the workers said: “I regularly support around 12 service users on school transport and have experienced incidents where staff and other service users have been attacked. I am also under constant pressure due to additional work being added to my role, which makes it harder to properly support both colleagues and service users.”
Unite says the “noticeable” decline in the service has also included busloads of children missing school since transport has not been covered at short notice due to sickness, staff shortages, and administrative errors. Staff have also reported low morale, a stressful working environment, and pressure to resolve problems quickly without proper processes being followed.
Another worker said: “I am working in a service where failures that once would have been exceptional now feel routine. Missed cover, last-minute changes and lack of staffing mean vulnerable children and adults are the ones who ultimately suffer and staff are left dealing with the fallout from mistakes that were avoidable.”
Among those striking are drivers who take children and older adults with learning difficulties, special needs, and complex health problems to and from schools, respite placements, medical appointments, and community centres. Staff involved in providing passenger assistance and office support for the service will also be walking out.
Leeds Civic Hall(Image: Google)
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is completely unacceptable that council cuts are not only putting our hardworking members at risk but also people who rely on this vital service.
“Workers should never bear the brunt of funding cuts which are not their fault. Management must take our members’ concerns seriously and come up with a workable, solution to the problems at Leeds council. Our members have Unite’s unwavering support.”
Workers will strike on the following days:
Friday, January 9Friday, January 16Friday, January 23Saturday, January 24Thursday, January 29,Friday, January 30Wednesday, February 4Thursday, February 5Friday, February 6,Wednesday, February 11Thursday, February 12Friday, February 13Tuesday, February 17Wednesday, February 18Thursday, February 19Friday, February 20Tuesday, February 24Wednesday, February 25Thursday, February 26Friday, February 27
Unite regional officer Chris Muscroft said: “Strike action is a last resort for our members but these serious problems are not being addressed and they have no choice but to make their voices heard to protect themselves, their colleagues and those using the service.
“Unite has been constantly open to negotiations, as our members really care about the service users they look after, but management are refusing to take their concerns seriously.”
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We have been working hard to resolve concerns which have been raised by Unite locally and we continue to work with them to find a resolution. We take all concerns seriously and have undertaken a number of measures to address these.
“The pressure on passenger transport is being experienced by many local authorities, however in Leeds there have been no cuts to frontline services and we have increased the number of staff working in the service.
“This Friday (9th January) we will be making every effort to prioritise school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
“However, as with any industrial action, it remains unclear exactly how services will be affected. We are therefore encouraging people to make alternative arrangements where they can. We are engaging our service users and keeping people updated as best we can in the circumstances.”
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