Action halted in Glasgow theatre

Plans for stoppages at Glasgow's Tramway are on hold during peace talks.

BECTU postponed strikes which were intended to run from four days from April 22 after controversial proposals for redundancies and changed working practices were withdrawn.

Glasgow Council, which owns the theatre, took its plans off the table after being hit by earlier stoppages in March, and agreed to reopen negotiations with BECTU.

Members at the theatre have complained of management tactics, which have ranged from serious breaches of contract to alleged cover-ups of bullying. One manager at the centre of the allegations resigned after the first 24-hour stoppage in March.

Paul McManus, BECTU's Scottish Organiser, said: "During the first stoppage members were outraged that this Labour-run council resorted to pressuring other council stff to act as strike-breakers, rather than seeking urgent constructive negotiations to resolve the dispute. Management seem intent on antagonising and provoking staff."

Events which have now been spared disruption include a concert by Lori Anderson and a rally led by Tommy Sheridan of the Scottish Socialist Party.