London tram workers to stage five-day strike in dispute over pay
Workers who maintain trams in London are staging a five-day strike from Sunday in a dispute over pay.
Members of Unite will walk out after the union claimed other London Underground workers who perform the same roles are paid up to £10,000 more a year.
Unite said the disparity is causing Tramlink staffing shortages because workers leave as soon as a higher paid job becomes available.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For years, Transport for London (TfL) has got away with paying Tramlink engineers substantially less than their colleagues on the London Underground.
“Not any more. Our members are sick of being treated as poor relations by TfL. They have Unite’s absolute support in striking for fair pay.”
The action was previously set to take place at the end of last month, but was suspended by the union until May as “a sign of good faith” after TfL agreed to engage in talks over pay disparities.
If the action goes ahead, there will be a reduced service expected on the whole of the London Trams network on some of the strike days.
On May 6, 7 and 8 no service is expected to run before 7am or after 6pm on the whole of the London Trams network.
A reduced service will operate between Wimbledon and Reeves Corner, East Croydon and Beckenham Junction. No service will operate through Croydon town centre or to Elmers End.
On May 9, services are expected to start later than normal, with possible disruption throughout the day
Transport bosses have advised customers to walk and cycle for short journeys. London Buses and London Overground are expected to operate, but could be busier than usual.
TfL staff and travel ambassadors will be deployed on the busiest parts of the London Trams network, including at Addington Village, Beckenham Junction, East Croydon, Elmers End, West Croydon and Wimbledon.
Navid Golshan, general manager for London Trams, said: “We urge Unite the Union to continue to work with us to find a resolution and call this strike off.
“Customers planning to use London Trams services are urged to check before they travel, allow extra time for their journeys and check the TfL website or the TfL Go app for the latest travel information.”
Customers are advised to visit tfl.gov.uk/strikes for the latest information.
(Picture: TfL)
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