London Bus Strikes Loom, Causing Travel Concerns
Travel plans in London are set to face significant disruptions as the dispute over pay and scheduling at London Transit escalates. More than 2,100 RATP bus workers are potentially going on strike, which could severely impact commuters and tourists alike.
Over 300 additional staff from London Transit, based at Westbourne Park bus garage in Notting Hill, are being balloted for industrial action due to dissatisfaction with a three percent pay offer. This offer is considered a pay cut in real terms given the 5.1 percent inflation rate in December 2023. The conflict also stems from an unsatisfactory scheduling agreement proposed by London Transit, which workers find unacceptable.
Furthermore, around 100 engineers from London United, servicing eight garages across South, Central, and West London, have joined 1,600 drivers in balloting over pay. These engineers have been offered a 3.6 percent increase, which they also view as a pay cut in real terms. The dissatisfaction among these workers is growing, leading to an increased likelihood of strikes.
Both London United and London Transit are part of the French state-owned RATP Group, which had a turnover of €6.5 billion in 2023. This has led to over 2,100 London-based RATP bus workers now preparing for strike action. The scale of this potential strike is significant, affecting a large portion of the city's bus services.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticized RATP for not offering reasonable pay increases despite its substantial profits. She emphasized the need for proper consultation with Unite to ensure effective scheduling agreements. Graham expressed full support for union members balloting for strikes, highlighting the workers' need for fair treatment and adequate compensation.
The ballot for London Transit staff closes on July 31, while the ballot for London United engineers ends on August 1. London United drivers will complete their ballot on July 22. If strikes go ahead, there will be significant disruptions to bus services in South, West, and Central London. This situation will affect not only daily commuters but also tourists who rely on these services to explore the city.
For travelers, this potential strike means planning their journeys with extra caution. The disruption could severely impact commutes, sightseeing, and travel to and from key tourist destinations in London. It is advisable to check for updates on the strike situation and consider alternative modes of transport, such as the Underground, taxis, or bike rentals, to ensure smooth travel plans. Travelers should be prepared for possible delays and changes to their itineraries.
Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy remarked that RATP bears full responsibility for the impending travel chaos due to its refusal to offer fair deals. She noted that there is still time to prevent strikes if RATP presents acceptable offers. However, the urgency of the situation calls for immediate action to avoid widespread inconvenience.