‘I’m no militant’ says union boss behind the TT strike

The UK-based union official who is handling the bus drivers’ dispute has denied he is a militant.

Unite national officer for passenger transport, Bobby Morton, said there was a ‘distinct possibility’ the dispute can yet be resolved - and a damaging strike during TT avoided.

Hitting back at comments by the Chief Minister that the industrial action was being orchestrated by ‘union militants in Liverpool’, Mr Morton replied: ‘I’m in my 60s and this is the first time I’ve been described as a militant. I think the comments are childish.’

Asked whether the union has scored a spectacular own goal by announcing a TT strike, Mr Morton said the reaction from the public was understandable and not unexpected.

He said: ‘This was always going to happen. The public very clearly from what I’m reading are not supporting us. It’s something we have to face. We always knew we were in for a long, hard struggle.’

The drivers insist the dispute is now not about a pay cut as they have accepted they will lose their paid lunch breaks. Instead, they say the main issue is the increase in driving time to four and half hours, replacing the old time of 3 hours 45 minutes.

DCCL chief executive Nick Black says that while the drivers have accepted their lunch break will no longer be paid, they are insisting on going back to the minimum guaranteed week of 42 hours in place before the change of contracts – which he said would mean there would be no savings.

Mr Morton maintained there would be savings if the drivers were to work a guaranteed 42 hours week with no paid lunch break.

He claims this was the deal that had been offered but subsequently withdrawn by the department - and the same deal would be considered by lawyers acting for both sides when they meet this week to discuss the 79 employment tribunal claims lodged by no fewer than 63 bus drivers.

Mr Morton said it was a ‘distinct possibility’ the dispute could still be settled. He added: [i]‘I desperately wish to end this dispute before TT with all the disruption a strike would cause then.’/i]

Chief Minister Allan Bell said he ‘condemned without reservation’ the ‘irresponsible actions’ of the union leadership. He said a strike during TT would damage the island’s reputation and economy.

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure says contingency measures will be announced as soon as possible. It is inviting Manx workers with a valid PPV licence to become casual bus drivers by registering at the Villa Marina tomorrow (Tuesday, May 21) from 2pm-8pm.

A Facebook campaign IOM TT 2013 Transport has been set up promoting car sharing.



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