Croydon tram strike called off but union warns dispute ‘not over’

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Severe disruption to Croydon trams will be avoided next week as tram drivers have suspended their strike.

Members of the ASLEF union were expected to walk out for three days from Monday following four previous days of action this year.

The three-day strike has now been called off following an “improved pay offer” from First Group’s Tram Operations, which operates the system on behalf of Transport for London.

It would have seen just limited services running between East Croydon and Wimbledon.

Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s full-time organiser on Croydon Tramlink, said: “Although the improved offer does not meet our members’ aspirations, ASLEF will always look for a solution that avoids disruption to passengers and our members losing money unnecessarily while trying to achieve our objectives.

“So our negotiating team has agreed to postpone the strike action planned for next week so we can meet management at ACAS to discuss and further improve their offer.”

Before the offer, 99 per cent of ASLEF members on Tramlink voted to strike, from an 86 per cent turnout.

However Mr Brennan warned the dispute was not over and said new strike dates will be announced if an agreement could not be reached.

He said: “The only reason management is now prepared to make an improved offer is because of the solid strike action that ASLEF members have taken.

“It is their solidarity on four days of strike action, so far, that has brought management back to the negotiating table.

“This does not mean the Tramlink dispute is over. If we cannot make progress at the fresh talks, then we will announce new strike dates.”

Before the strike was called off Trish Ashton, TfL’s Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said the company was “disappointed” at the industrial action.

Pictured top: East Croydon Tram (Picture: Peter Trimming)