Unite warns of strike wave on London’s public transport due to
mayor’s failings
19th November 2009
Unite, the UK’s biggest trade union, today (Thursday, 19th
November) warns that London is facing a significant wave of strikes
that threatens the capital’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 bus
workers 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 the abolition of bendy buses and the design
competition for a new Routemaster plus the abandonment of fund
raising measures like the Western Extension Zone and the gas
guzzling charge on the rich. The mayor and Transport for London are
now seeking 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.”
ENDS
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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