Traffic and Travel
Unite members employed by Metroline will walk out on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15 and 16.
Unite members employed by Metroline will walk out on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15 and 16.
The union said that the drivers, some of whom are paid as little as £13.13 an hour by the Singapore-based company, are struggling to keep their heads above water during the cost of living crisis.
Over 2,000 bus drivers in north and west London will take part in seven days of strike action next month
The strike action comes after the workforce rejected an offer of a 10% pay increase, as the union said it amounted to a real terms pay cut with the real inflation rate (RPI) which is at 14.2%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Metroline is an exceptionally wealthy company and it is unforgivable that it is paying among the lowest driver pay rates in London.
“Rates of pay at Metroline are so low that workers simply can’t cope as the cost of living crisis continues to worsen. This is a company that can afford to pay but has chosen not to do so.
“Our bus driver members in London are receiving Unite’s complete support.”
The drivers taking industrial action are based at the following bus garages: Brentford, Cricklewood, Edgware, Harrow Weald, Holloway, King’s Cross, Lampton, Perivale, Potter’s Bar and Willesden.
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Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said: “Unite is fighting and winning for our bus members.
“We are determined to win these two campaigns (Abellio and Metroline).
“Unite will take the necessary action to win for its members, including bringing together and uniting campaigns to demand pay justice.”
A Metroline spokesperson said: “Under recommendation from Unite the Union, drivers at 3 of our garages have already voted to accept a substantial 10% pay increase with additional benefits.
“We are therefore deeply disappointed that Unite are now denying the very same offer that would ensure our drivers continue to be amongst the best paid in London, to all of our colleagues in others areas of the business.”
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