Unite warns of strike wave on London’s public transport due to Mayor’s failings
Unite, the UK’s biggest trade union, today (Thursday, 19th November) warns that London is facing a significant wave of strikes that threatens London’s public transport.
Unite, which is London’s biggest transport union, has confirmed that 2,500 East London bus workers will take two days of strike action starting at 3am tomorrow (Friday). Earlier in the week Unite members employed by EDF, working for London Underground, voted overwhelmingly for strike action and later today Unite will announce the result of an industrial action ballot for 2,500 First Group bus workers in the capital. A further ballot of CT plus Busworkers will also be announced.
On Monday (23rd November), the result of the industrial action ballot of Unite members employed by London Underground will also be announced.
Unite believes Londoners are suffering from the mistakes in the Mayor’s transport strategy, which has wasted money on vanity projects, like abolition of bendy buses and the new Routemaster. Also the abandonment of fund raising measures like the Western Extension Zone and the gas guzzling charge on the rich. The Mayor and TfL now seek to raise money by big fare increases and cuts in real wages of the workers who keep London moving.
Steve Hart, Regional Secretary of Unite, said: “This union is not about bluff and bluster. We will do what is necessary to secure the decent increases that our members seek. We cannot tolerate pay freezes for these low paid workers. Our preference is always for negotiation but we take strike action where necessary as at East London Bus Group tomorrow.
“Our negotiators and shop stewards have gone the extra mile to reach agreements but across London many public transport employers are refusing to realistically negotiate.
“We remain ready to reach reasonable deals now Transport for London and the Mayor of London must intervene positively instead of blocking progress. Do they want negotiation or confrontation?
“Massive disruption can be avoided but only if London Underground and the bus operators return to the table with improved offers. Good public transport to which we are passionately committed requires well-paid professional drivers and engineers.”
Steve Hart will be available for interviews and further comments.
For further information contact Steve Hart on 07970 081509 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite press office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224761
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