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Subway strikes clash with gigs after workers reject offer

Getty Images A white and orange subway train pulling away from Shields Road station. Getty Images

More than 100 Glasgow subway workers will strike this week during a major music event after an offer on pay and working conditions was rejected.

The walk-outs are planned on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, coinciding with Summer Sessions at Bellahouston Park.

The dispute is over working conditions, with Unite the union claiming the subway is badly understaffed.

One planned strike day was averted last week while members considered the new proposal, which Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) said was "reasonable and fair".

Will the subway close?

Unite said that train drivers and station staff have to do overtime routinely and often face late changes to their rotas.

It believes the subway is struggling to operate under these circumstances.

Last week SPT made an interim offer to try to deal with these concerns, which union members voted against.

Unite believes the strike action means the subway will be closed.

Strike dates coincide with three outdoor gigs at Bellahouston Park - Sting on 25 June, Simple Minds on 27 June and Stereophonics on 28 June.

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

Sharon Graham, the union's general secretary, said: "Unite's Glasgow subway members are fed up with SPT's half measures and failure to deliver decent working conditions.

"It has had every opportunity to sort out understaffing, shift pay and working hours.

"The workers have rightly said enough is enough because the subway is running on empty."

SPT advised subway customers to make alternative travel arrangements on Wednesday but said full services will run on Thursday and Sunday.

It did not indicate whether the subway would be closed on strike days, but advised people to monitor social media for updates.

A spokesperson added: "SPT remains committed to seeking a resolution through positive ongoing negotiations ahead of further planned strikes and will update as soon as possible."

The union previously warned that strikes could escalate over the summer unless working conditions improve.