The decision of the Isle of Man Employment Tribunal in the matter involving the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure and local bus drivers has been published today, Thursday 20 March.
The Tribunal found that drivers in the test case brought against the Department were not unfairly dismissed.
The signed report confirming the conclusions is available to view on the Isle of Man Government website at http://www.gov.im/media/1076342/bus_driver_tribunal_-_signed_decision.pdf
Chris Robertshaw MHK, Minister for the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, commented:
‘It is very evident from the findings that the Director of Transport, Mr Ian Longworth, impressed the Tribunal with his professionalism in his best efforts to carry out the will of Tynwald.
‘This work is bringing improved efficiency and productivity to our bus services and I hope we can now put the past difficulties behind us and all work together in full recognition that the Tribunal has found there is a sound business case driving these changes.’
Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive Officer of DCCL, said:
‘The Tribunal’s report provides a comprehensive picture of the evidence submitted during the hearing and how the panel arrived at its decision. It shows that the changes to bus drivers’ pay, terms and conditions were proposed against a backdrop of budget constraints across the Isle of Man Government.’
He added:
‘The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has a responsibility to get its own house in order in terms of achieving greater efficiencies and addressing staff wages before contemplating any redundancies or cuts to public services. The Employment Tribunal has ruled in favour of the Department and, although this is subject to appeal, I hope we can work with the bus drivers to move on from here in a positive fashion. The focus must now be on delivering a sustainable public transport service into the future.’
