A further 300 London bus workers are set to be balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay, according to the Unite union. The London Transit drivers and engineers are unhappy with a 3%

pay offer, which they argue is effectively a pay cut when adjusted for inflation.

Around 1,600 drivers employed by the company in central, south, and west London are already being balloted for industrial action over the same issue. French state-owned RATP Group, which operates London United, has been approached for comment.

'Unacceptable Scheduling'

The ballot, which opened this week, will close on 31 July. The dispute also involves London Transit's plans to implement an "unacceptable scheduling agreement," according to Unite.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated: “RATP is a multi-billion-pound company and can more than afford to put forward reasonable pay offers for its London Transit and London United workers." She also urged the company to "properly consult with Unite to ensure that its scheduling agreements are fit for purpose."

Additionally, about 100 engineers based at eight garages are being balloted for strikes until 1 August over a 3.6% pay offer. These engineers are employed by London United. Unite said the workers rejected the pay offer made in December, as it did not match the inflation rate at the time, which was 5.2%, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Previous Strikes

This dispute follows previous strikes in recent years by drivers for London Transit and the operator Abellio. A Transport for London spokesperson commented: “We encourage Unite and London United to work together to come to an agreement and avoid disruption to Londoners.” Photo by Ibex73, Wikimedia commons.