Strike by SEND transport staff called off

Strike action by staff who transport children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to and from school has ended, the union Unite has said.

About 80 workers at Leeds Council Passenger Transport walked out in January over safety concerns, including claims workers lacked kit such as restraints and had inadequate first aid training.

The union said strike action had been paused while Leeds City Council addressed the claims and, following a number of improvements, had now been halted

Unite said the changes will ensure the service is vastly improved both for workers and passengers. A council spokesperson said it was pleased to have resolved the dispute.

The council staff are responsible for taking children to school and also to transport vulnerable people to medical appointments and community centres.

The BBC reported on Monday that staff were regularly subjected to attacks by pupils lashing out on journeys, as they were "used as punchbags".

Unite said changes implemnted by the council incuded hiring more staff and putting in a new management structure.

Risk assessments have been put in place and passenger assistance staff are to be issued with mobile phones by the end of April.

The phones will give staff access to risk assessments, method statements and key information while also supporting safer, more modern ways of working in real time, the union said.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members at Leeds Passenger Transport should be commended for taking action to improve their conditions and protect themselves and passengers.

"This is an excellent win for our members, which shows the power of a union. Unite will always fight for better working conditions for our members and ensure they are safe at work."

The council spokesperson said: "We are pleased to have worked constructively to resolve this dispute with Unite and that the strike has been ended.

"A number of further measures will be undertaken and changes implemented to address the concerns raised by Unite."

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