Victory for ‘designed-out’ bus driver

A campaign by the Unite union has forced bus operator Go Ahead to reinstate five foot tall bus driver Tracey Scholes, who had been “designed out” when the company changed wing mirrors on its vehicle fleet, then said she was too small to continue driving.

She will now drive the 52 bus route and will be paid for a guaranteed 25 hours a week.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham explained: “Go Ahead have finally come to their senses and agreed to Unite’s demand for Tracey’s hours and pay to be protected. As the first woman bus driver at the Manchester depot, with 34 years unblemished service, Tracey deserved to be treated with dignity. It’s terrific news that she can continue to drive her bus.”

https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2022/january/tracey-scholes-is-back-in-the-driving-seat