Marvin OnumonuArriva bus engineers in Luton will strike in April and May over the company’s response to matters of serious sexual harassment and assault within the workplace.
Staff said the dispute also involves the dismissal of a Unite shop steward, who they believe was fired after demanding action on the complaints.
Workers said the manager at the centre of the allegations left the company after police were called.
Employees said Arriva previously dismissed the allegations as “banter” and “horseplay” and failed to provide proper support to those affected.
Incidents reported included unwanted touching, squeezing and striking, including in sensitive areas.
Young apprentices and other staff said they were exposed to simulated sexual acts and gestures, as well as offensive and sexually explicit remarks about family members.
Reports also included repeated intimidation, mocking and humiliation.
The strikes are set for 27th April to 1st May, 11th May to 15th May and 25th May to 29th May.
Unite said action would escalate if the dispute is not resolved, with major disruption expected to Arriva’s bus services in Luton and the surrounding area.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Arriva’s handling of this dreadful situation is despicable – it brings shame on the entire company.
“The concerns of these workers need to be addressed and our shop steward – fired for speaking out – must be reinstated.
“These workers have Unite’s complete backing in taking strike action until that happens.”
Unite said the shop steward was suspended shortly after the manager left and was dismissed in a disciplinary meeting last week.
Jeff Hodge, regional officer at Unite, said: “Arriva is entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused to services.
“Not only has it tried to brush these incredibly serious matters under the carpet, it has fired a workplace rep for trying to prevent it from doing so.
“Strikes will continue to worsen until Arriva rights these wrongs.”
Workplace Journal contacted Arriva for a comment.
