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Glasgow subway strike called off in time for TRNSMT festival

Getty Images Glasgow subway station with the subway train blurred as it enters the station on the left. Two people stand on the platform.Getty Images
Three days of strike action have been called off on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

A planned three-day strike on the Glasgow subway has been called off this weekend as the city prepares to host Scotland's biggest music festival.

Unite held three days of action last month but the latest wave was set to coincide with TRNSMT on Glasgow Green.

The strikes were due to a dispute between the union and subway operator Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) over working conditions.

But an enhanced interim offer made by SPT on Tuesday has now been backed by Unite members after a previous offer was overwhelmingly rejected.

PA Media The main stage at TRNSMT music festival from a birds-eye view. The crowd stands in front of the stage and the People's Palace at Glasgow Green is on the right.PA Media
Glasgow is preparing for Scotland's largest music festival which starts on Friday

A continuous overtime ban has been in place in since 13 June.

The deal is set to include an increase in basic pay, allowances, sick pay and overtime rates, as well as negotiations on future working conditions.

The overall cost of the interim deal is estimated to be £245,000.

Last month's strikes coincided with three major gigs at Bellahouston Park, which concert goers often reach via walking from the subway station at Ibrox.

Between 11 and 13 July, around 50,000 music fans are expected to attend TRNSMT each day - which is being held half a mile from the St Enoch subway station.

Headliners this year include Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro and 50 Cent.

PA Media The crowd at TRNSMT. People are on other people's shoulders and others in the crowd are filming on phones.PA Media
TRNSMT is expected to attract crowds of around 50,000 a day to Glasgow Green

The union's 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."

Andrew Brown, Unite industrial officer, said: "Unite has delivered a good win for our SPT members.

"The interim deal addresses a number of the outstanding concerns that we have over working conditions and rates of pay.

"We now have a route to a lasting agreement on the subway system and we are pleased that SPT meaningfully engaged with the union to bring the strike action to an end."

An SPT spokesperson said: "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."