Tram drivers’ Christmas bonus replaced with free turkey bap

Staff keeping network running through pandemic told traditional £25 reward is off – but they can have a sarnie from a food van

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Tram drivers who have helped keep Nottingham’s network running through the coronavirus pandemic have been told there is no money for their usual Christmas bonus – so they will be given a turkey cob instead.

The bap reward will be offered to drivers from a food van – as long as they are on shift when it comes to the depot.

A vegetarian option of a baked potato is also said to be available.

Traditionally, staff working for the Nottingham Express Transit – which last year carried almost 20 million passengers – receive a £25 gift voucher in December.

But it appears that with fewer people using the network this year, bosses have decided to exchange the usual token of appreciation for the sandwich instead.

“It's a final kick in the teeth,” one driver told the Nottingham Post, adding: “We haven't got a bonus this year, we haven't had a thank you to say 'thanks lads for working through the lockdown'. This year they have taken the bonus off us.”

Sarah Worth, regional organiser with the GMB trade union, said: “Our members had not even been formally notified that they will not be receiving a bonus but instead became aware of this from a communication sent to the supervisors.

“The £25 gift voucher has routinely been given to staff for as far back as they recall, at least 10 years – which of course has less value today than it did have when it was first introduced.

“The food van has never previously been on site. Therefore, it would appear that the introduction of the complimentary food is a replacement for the Christmas gift voucher.”

A spokesperson for NET said staff had done a “fantastic job in maintaining vital services” throughout this year’s crisis.

But they added: “The past year has been difficult for everyone, and through the pandemic we’ve seen a significant reduction in customer numbers as the travelling public followed government advice to avoid public transport.

“It would, therefore, have been inappropriate to provide additional bonuses for employees at this time.”