Lothian Buses staff vote for strike action in Edinburgh

Staff at Lothian Buses have voted for strike action.

Unite said 91.3% of those who voted backed strike action after 63.2% of members took part in the ballot.

The union blamed the dispute on "poor workplace relations and a hostile culture at Lothian Buses".

The result could see more than 1,700 staff take part in strike action during the festivals in Edinburgh in August. Lothian Buses said it was in discussions with Unite.

'Lack of trust'

Lyn Turner, Unite regional industrial officer, said: "Unite members have delivered an emphatic result with over 90% voting in support of strike action at Lothian Buses.

"The scale of the result is testament to the lack of trust and confidence which Unite's 1,700 strong membership has in the current Lothian Buses management."

Mr Turner said the union would now enter talks with managers at the arbitration service Acas in the coming days.

Richard Hall, Lothian Buses managing director said: "We've held amicable discussions with union officials over recent weeks and we hope that Unite will enter into next week's meeting at ACAS with a resolve to avoid strike action that would be damaging for Edinburgh's population and visitors, as well as all our colleagues in the business."

Mr Hall added: "Should the union take the decision to go out on strike, we will continue to work positively with all our colleagues across the business whether they have voted in favour or not. We sincerely hope that strike action will be averted, however."