Further Disruption Looms as More Garages Join Bus Strike

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Drivers at Stamford Brook among latest to join industrial action

London bus drivers from Shepherd's Bush taking strike action

The dispute between drivers at London United and the bus operator RATP has intensified with two more garages set to join the industrial action.

Drivers at both Stamford Brook and Hounslow Heath have voted to join the industrial action. It will mean that further strikes beginning on Thursday 15 April will involve London United drivers at all seven of its garages.

The five depots already taking strike action are Fulwell, Hounslow, Park Royal, Shepherd’s Bush and Tolworth garages. These five garages will also be on strike on Wednesday 7 April.

Negotiations broke down last week when the company’s proposed pay offers to resolve the 2019 and 2020 pay claims were below the drivers’ expectations. Their union Unite is claiming that management tried to insert controversial clauses into drivers’ contracts.

The drivers at Stamford Brook and Hounslow Heath, both initially voted for strike action but were unable to join the other London United garages as they failed to reach the level of turnout for the vote which is required by law. A reballot saw this hurdle reached at both garages.

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said, "This is a significant and welcome development, the strike action will now intensify.

"This vote is a clear message to RATP’s management that bus drivers will continue to strike until they secure a fair settlement.

"The drivers who have been considered key workers throughout the dispute are rightly asking how on earth RATP believes it is acceptable to cut drivers' pay in real terms and undermine their conditions, when they have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep London moving.

RATP said its offer “includes the best possible pay rise above inflation and no changes to terms and conditions”, and that its London bus operators have made losses for the last two years.

If the strike proceeds services are return to normal from 6:00am on Thursday 8 April and Friday 16 April.

Routes Affect By The Strike

 

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April 5, 2021