‘Traffic chaos for Londoners’: New wave of strikes to hit bus services

A union has warned of “traffic chaos” after announcing bus workers will escalate strike action next month in a dispute over pay. 

About 40 staff who work in control rooms in Battersea for Transport UK – previously known as Abellio – will walk out for eight days of strike action from May 8 to 10, and from May 13 to 17, after rejecting a five per cent pay offer from their employer.

The strike – announced by Unite the Union – has been called after members were offered a five per cent pay increase for 2023 by Transport UK. 

Unite said the offer was a “substantial real-terms pay cut”, as inflation stood at 13.4 per cent last January when the pay rise was due.

Workers already earn about £10,000 per year less than similar staff at other bus companies, and have been offered a smaller pay increase, Unite said.

The bus workers use satellite GPS systems to monitor bus routes across London and instruct drivers on traffic jams or accidents to ensure overall safety.

Unite regional officer Maxine Loza said: “Transport UK’s refusal to deliver a vastly improved offer will cause traffic chaos for Londoners. 

“Without these vital workers, buses don’t run on time and driver and passenger safety is jeopardised. Yet by refusing to come back with an improved offer, Transport UK are showing just how little they value their staff.”

The routes affected by industrial action include: 24, 27, 111, 156, 159, 267, 285, 322, 344, 345, 415, 490, 969, H20, H25, H26, R68 and R70.

A spokeswoman from Transport UK said: “We have negotiated with Unite since April 2023 regarding pay for its members in our Controller and Officials staff groups.

“It is disappointing to see Unite take unnecessary strike action following an improved offer of a 7 per cent salary increase for 2023, back paid to January 2023, followed by a 3 per cent rise for 2024, back paid to January 2024. This offer is in line with increases made to other groups of staff within the business.

“We have mitigation plans in place for the upcoming strikes and are working with TfL to ensure Londoners can continue to travel during this needless action.

“During previous action services ran as normal.”

(Picture: Fernando Garcia/Flickr)