Dial-a-ride drivers set for 24 hour strike
21st May 2009
Hundreds of Unite members at Dial-a-Ride, a bus service for
disabled people, are set to strike tomorrow (Friday) over claims of
bullying and harassment by managers, following a change in working
conditions. The strike will conclude at 6am on Saturday.
Rules governing drivers for Dial-a-Ride, a free door-to-door
service for disabled people, run by Transport for London , were
brought in line with other Transport for London drivers
without consultation last November.
Over 400 Unite members claim the changes have led to bullying
and intimidation by some managers over sickness and absence, drugs
and alcohol testing and grievances.
George Dodo-Williams, Unite regional industrial organiser, said:
“The changes mean drivers are no longer entitled to union
representatives during some management meetings.
"If someone from a union is there with a driver to advise them
when problems arise, it makes a difference and helps ensure that
anything a worker may say under pressure cannot be twisted in some
way. Good companies value this as they know it helps solve
problems.
"This service is hugely important to its users, so you would
think the managers would realise that respecting its workforce is
key to service delivery.
"The drivers are at the end of their tether. We are going on
strike to send a message to the management that bullying and
harassment is not acceptable. The committee will meet after
tomorrow’s strike and if the issues are not resolved further
strikes will be planned.”
ENDS
For further information contact George Dodo- Williams on 07980
721 431 or Mark Di-Toro on 07918 640 579
NOTES
407 Unite members will go out on strike across 6 garages
throughout London: Palmers Green; Wimbledon; Paddington; Orpington;
Southhall; Woodford
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