Nearly 2,000 bus workers in West London are voting on whether to strike over the August bank holiday, potentially causing severe disruption to travel during the Notting Hill Carnival. The workers, employed by London United and London Transit, are locked in a pay dispute with parent company First Bus over alleged unpaid back pay and changes to pay anniversary dates.
Unite the union claims that staff are being denied hundreds of pounds owed from salary reviews completed in December, following First Bus's acquisition of RATP Dev Transit London earlier this year. The union also accuses London United of attempting to alter pay anniversary dates and refusing to reinstate shift work premiums for some employees.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham condemned the company's actions as 'underhand and disgraceful', stating: 'To try and refuse to pay money owed since December shows an utter lack of respect for its workers.' She warned that members would not stand for such behaviour and that the union would back them fully.
The two subsidiaries operate approximately 90 routes across eight depots in West and South West London, including key routes into Central London. Voting opened on July 17 and closes on August 11. If a strike is called, it could coincide with the Notting Hill Carnival on August 24-26, causing major travel disruption.
First Bus London expressed disappointment at the proposed industrial action, stating that their above-inflation pay offer reflects the value they place on employees. A spokesperson urged Unite to engage in constructive discussions to reach a fair resolution.
