image source, BBC/Harry Rowe
Ground staff plan to go on strike in February and March
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ Union (RMT) has announced that more than 300 London Overground staff will go on strike next month over pay.
Security guards, air traffic controllers, station staff and revenue staff will be out for 48 hours on February 19th and March 4th.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said members were “furious” after being offered a “below-inflation wage offer”.
Arriva Rail London, which has a contract with London Overground, said it offered “good remuneration”.
Transport for London has asked RMT to continue its relationship with the operator “to seek to resolve this dispute”.
Staff are scheduled to leave work from 00:01 GMT on February 19th to 23:59 on February 20th. Even after that he is from 00:01 on March 4th to 23:59 on March 5th.
Mr Lynch said: ‘London Overground workers do vital work in providing services to Transport for London and supporting passengers on their journeys across London.
“If this dispute cannot be resolved, RMT is prepared to take long-term industrial action to obtain the pay rise that London Overground workers deserve.”
Steve Best, managing director of Arriva Rail London, said: “We were extremely disappointed to hear of the RMT union’s decision to take industrial action at London Overground in February and March. “There is,” he said.
“We believe we have been able to offer good remuneration, not only in our industry, but also in comparison to other industries and businesses in the UK.We will continue to work with RMT in the hope of resolving this dispute. I will do my best to be involved.”
He added that a “robust contingency plan” would be developed ahead of the strike.