Bus strikes continue today with reduced service on Richmond bus routes

By The Editor

15th Apr 2021 | Local News

Drivers on strike at Fulwell Bus Garage in February (picture: Jack Fifield)
Drivers on strike at Fulwell Bus Garage in February (picture: Jack Fifield)

Bus strikes continue today across south and west London after talks ended without agreement yesterday.

Richmond is one of the areas most affected by the strikes.

Transport for London states that services will return to normal from 6am tomorrow, Friday 16 April.

Drivers employed by London United, a subsidiary of RATP group, are striking over changes to their contracts which they say could cost them £2,500 a year.

Talks yesterday failed to heal divisions. RATP refused to offer pay increases to settle the outstanding 2019 and 2020 pay claims.

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: "Unite's members are on strike today and will take further industrial action until RATP makes a fair and reasonable pay offer.

"Our members have worked throughout the pandemic, risking their health and that of their families and frankly the offer put forward by RATP is insulting.

"RATP appears to have plenty of money to pay its corporate fat cats and invest in refurbishing its offices, but when it comes to paying the bus drivers who are essential to its operation it claims the cupboard is bare.

"Bus drivers understand that by going on strike passengers in London will face substantial disruption to their journeys but they feel that they have been left with no option as a direct result of the company's failure to make a fair offer.

"Unite has always made it clear that the union is available for talks at any time and if RATP is prepared to come forward with an offer that our members find acceptable then strikes planned for the coming weeks can be averted."

Another day of industrial action is planned for next Friday, April 23.

Transport for London has advised bus users to allow more time for their journey and travel at quieter times of day on strike days.

For live updates visit the TFL website or check your journey with the journey planner.

     

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