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Talks to avoid bus workers strike

Talks aimed at averting fresh strikes by London bus workers in a row over an Olympic bonus are to be held today.

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Unite's warning over London bus strikes

Steve Turner, Unite executive director of policy, said:

Not only is this highly dangerous given that our members carry six million passengers daily on some of the most congested streets in the world, but it is illegal under drivers' hours and working time regulations, which stipulate minimum rest periods and maximum hours on duty.

Bus strikes: Unions urge bus dispute deal

Not only is this highly dangerous given that our members carry six million passengers daily on some of the most congested streets in the world, but it is illegal under drivers' hours and working time regulations, which stipulate minimum rest periods and maximum hours on duty.

"With only 25 days to go before the Olympics open, they must stop fanning the flames of this dispute.

"We all want the Olympics to succeed but if the bus employers cannot get serious about solving this dispute then we say to the mayor, Boris Johnson, show some leadership."

– Steve Turner, Unite executive director of policy

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Bus workers 'to strikes over Olympic bonus payment'

  • The union is seeking £500 for each of its 20,000 members at 20 bus companies for working over the Games period, pointing out that other transport workers are being paid a bonus.
  • The union has added £100 to its claim for every day that a strike is held.
  • Ahead of the talks, Unite accused employers of acting with "gross irresponsibility" by implying workers could gain a £500 bonus under an offer previously made at Acas and rejected out of hand by the union.
  • Unite says that the £500 offered by the bus operators was immediately rejected at previous talks as it required its members to work all 29 days of the Olympics and Paralympics to achieve it.

Talks aim to avoid Olympic bus workers strikes

Talks aimed at averting fresh strikes by London bus workers in a row over an Olympic bonus are to be held today.

Talks aimed at averting fresh strikes are due to begin Credit: Clive Gee/PA Wire

Members of the Unite union went on strike last month and are planning 24-hour walkouts on Thursday and on July 24, just a few days before the opening ceremony of the Games.

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