Ryan FowlerControl room staff at Transport UK, formerly known as Abellio, are set to escalate their strike action next month, following the company’s failure to offer an adequate pay raise. Approximately 40 workers responsible for monitoring bus routes and ensuring safety across London will strike for eight days across two separate periods in May (8-10 and 13-17).
The staff, who are crucial for managing traffic disruptions and maintaining safety, have been offered a 5% pay increase for 2023. With inflation at 13.4% in January, when the rise was proposed, this offer constitutes a significant real terms pay cut. Additionally, these workers reportedly earn about £10,000 less annually than their counterparts at other bus companies.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, criticised Transport UK for underpaying key personnel despite substantial revenues from London bus contracts. “Transport UK has hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue from lucrative London bus contracts and yet it is trying to short-change some of its most vital staff. It needs to understand our members won’t stand for it,” she stated.
Maxine Loza, Unite regional officer, warned that the continued dispute would disrupt traffic and compromise safety. “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,” Loza said.
The strike is expected to affect several routes primarily in South and South West London, including routes 24, 27, 111, 156, 159, 267, 285, 322, 344, 345, 415, 490, 969, H20, H25, H26, R68, and R70.
