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Strike action called off as workers agree a deal

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18 June, 2014Workers at Optare, a Leeds-based bus and coach manufacturer, have settled their dispute over an enforced summer shut down following lengthy negotiations.

Further industrial action and a march and rally due to take place this weekend have been called off after members endorsed a deal which sees a compromise one week shutdown this year, an extra half day holiday and a cash settlement for the workers.

Members of IndustriALL Global Union affiliate Unite the Union, had taken two days of strike action and put in place an overtime ban over the company’s plans to shut its site in Shelburn, in Elmet Leeds for two weeks in August.
The move by the company would have forced workers to take their annual leave in the height of summer season when the price of a family holiday can be up to 92 per cent higher.

Commenting, Unite national officer Tony Murphy said:

“Our members showed great determination in fighting for a deal that they found acceptable. They have remained steadfast throughout the past few weeks and put forward a number of proposals and compromises which the company had rejected.Industrial action was due to be stepped up over the coming days, but the company finally recognised they had to reach an agreement with the workforce."

Moving forward, there is a need to build a better relationship with Optare and Unite will of course provide help and assistance to do this when required.