Union demands Lothian Buses kept under council control

WORKERS at Lothian Buses are calling on the public to demand controversial plans to place the firm under the control of an arms-length council company don't go ahead.

Union leaders say the bus firm is the 'jewel in the crown'. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

They fear the firm could be “plundered or even sold off” if Transport for Edinburgh is given the right to be directly involved in its day-to-day running.

Councillors voted today to push ahead with the proposals - despite dozens of Unite members from Lothian Buses voicing their concerns.

Unite regional officer Tony Trench said: “We are extremely disappointed with this decision and are increasingly concerned about the lack of transparency over this process.

“Lothian Buses is the jewel in the crown of Scottish transport – a publicly-owned company that is stable, profitable and provides a good service to the people of Lothian. Edinburgh City Council should be celebrating and supporting its bus service – not putting it in the hands of an arms-length company.

“Our members will carry on our campaign against these changes.”