Nearly 2,000 bus workers in West and South West London are set to walk out later in August and into September.
Drivers, engineers and controllers at London United and London Transit intend to go on strike on Friday, August 29 and Monday, September 1. The union Unite alleges that not every aspect of a new pay offer is being backdated to the December pay anniversary.
Unite also claims that London United wants to tweak some employees’ pay anniversary while bringing back shift work premiums for others.
The companies run eight depots in total, these being: Fulwell, Hounslow, Hounslow Heath, Park Royal, Shepherds Bush, Stamford Brook, Tolworth and Westbourne Park.
You can find a full list of the routes that could be affected by the strikes here: 13, 18, 23, 31, 33, 49, 65, 70, 71, 72, 85, 94, 105, 110, 116, 117, 148, 203, 216, 218, 220, 224, 235, 272, 281, 283, 290, 293, 295, 371, 406, 411, 418, 419, 423, 440, 452, 467, 613, 662, 665, 681, 696, 698, C1, E3, H22, H37, H98, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, KU1, KU2, KU3, N13, N18, N23, N31, N33, N65, N72, N85, N94, N105, N148, N220, N281, N295.
More dates could be announced, the union said, if this situation isn’t resolved.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is underhand and disgraceful behaviour from a company making millions from London bus passengers. To try and refuse to pay money owed since December shows an utter disregard for its workers and the hard work they do day in, day out.”
Unite regional officer Callum Rochford said: “Our members won’t stand for such behaviour and Unite will back them all the way in this dispute with a company that has a history of anti-worker behaviour.
“Workers can see through these tactics and won’t stand for them. London United and London Transit need to come back to the table, pay what’s right and end this dispute now before they make going back to school even less popular.”
A spokesperson for First Bus London said: “We are disappointed at the ballot result and the decision to proceed with industrial action. Strikes will cause inconvenience to the public and loss of earnings for our hard-working employees.
“Our above inflation pay offer reflects the value we put on colleagues and demonstrates our commitment to protecting staff from the rising cost of living — even in the challenging financial environment we operate in.
“We have further scheduled discussions with Unite later this week, and we very much hope that together we can reach a fair resolution for our colleagues and the Londoners we serve.”
Stay updated on the latest travel news for London’s roads with our London Traffic and Travel newsletter. Sign up HERE.
