We will secure better protection for London's bus workers, vows
Unite
11 August 2011
Unite, London's biggest union, is continuing to press for a
single, comprehensive approach from the capital's bus companies
should there be a reoccurrence of the rioting seen in parts of the
city in recent days.
The union has called on Transport for London (TfL) to use its
office to demand that the many bus companies operating across the
capital follow the one response procedure. Despite Unite's efforts,
no reassurances have been forthcoming from TfL.
On Wednesday bus workers from across the capital met at the
union's London headquarters and resolved to continue to press TfL
for coordinated action.
Steve Linger, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: "Unite
members working on London's buses have again called upon TfL and
senior police officials to give assurances that a standard,
uniform, cross-capital response to community unrest will be
implemented.
"It is vital that all companies abide by the one procedure, one
which puts the safety of the travelling public and bus workers
first.
"Unfortunately those assurances are not yet forthcoming which is
why this union will continue to press for its full involvement in
any discussion regarding how the capital's infrastructure is
protected during unrest.
"Disappointingly, TfL refused to give assurances about that
involvement but this will not be the end of the matter as far as
this union is concerned. We will not allow our members, the London
workforce or London's transport users to be put in harm's way."
ENDS
For further information contact Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite
press office on 020 3371 2061 or 07980 224761
