22 Aug 2008 11:34 Africa/Lagos 
   
 
"First" London Bus Workers to Vote for Strike Action

LONDON, August 22/PRNewswire/ -- Strikes are set to sweep across London from Friday 29th August in a dispute that will affect London's bus services, Unite the union announced today. The action will affect the services of First Capital East Buses and First Centrewest Buses.


2,500 bus workers will begin action on Friday 29th August for 24 hours followed by a 48 hour strike beginning Friday 12th September. The bus workers have resoundingly rejected a pay offer of 3.5% on the basic rate of pay.


Strike ballots are now taking place in most other London bus companies in disputes over pay. The union submitted a London-wide claim to all bus operators in March of this year to challenge the current system whereby drivers (and other grades) performing identical jobs within the TfL regulated industry, receive hugely varying pay and conditions. In many cases the pay disparity for drivers working for different operators can be as much as GBP6000 a year.


George Dodo-Williams, Unite regional industrial organiser, said:


"London bus workers have consistently delivered huge increases in efficiency and performance since the return of local government to London. Even Mayor Boris Johnson acknowledges that London has the world's finest bus drivers. Yet these workers are being forced to take action to stake their claim for a share of the profits generated by their hard work. They are determined to achieve a fair settlement."


Notes to Editors:


First Capital East Buses are based at - Lea Interchange, Dagenham and Northumberland Park


First Centrewest Buses are based at - Alperton, Greenford, Hayes, Uxbridge, Westbourne Park, and Willesden


Friday 29th August 2008 (24 Hours).


Commencing at 3am on the 29th of August 2008 and the action will continue till 3am on Saturday 30th August 2008.


In the case of night drivers starting shifts on Thursday 28th, they will complete their shift through to Friday 29th August. They will then join the action from the start of their shift on Friday 29th August to the end of their shift on Saturday 30th August 2008.


Friday 12th September and Saturday 13th September 2008 (48 Hours).


Commencing at 3am on the 12th September and the action will continue till 3am on 14th September 2008.


In the case of night drivers starting shifts on Thursday 11th September they will complete their shift through to Friday 12th. They will then join the action from the start of their shift on Friday 12th and will continue to the end of their shift on Saturday 13th September 2008.


The same applies to night drivers starting shifts on Friday 12th September they will complete their shift through to Saturday 13th September. They will then join the action from the start of their shift on Saturday 13th September and will continue to the end of their shift on Sunday 14th September 2008.


Source: Unite the Union

For further information please call Ciaran Naidoo, +44(0)7768-931-315