Around 1,000 bus workers at Metrobus joined the pay battle on the London buses when they went on strike alongside 2,500 First Bus workers last month.
It clearly shows the mood for action over pay and conditions.
For the first time in years all three Metrobus garages were united.
At the recent Unite union’s London bus workers’ conference, activists met to discuss the campaign to win an equal and higher wage, and better conditions across all the London bus operators.
There are pay disputes ongoing at many bus companies in London. Thousands of drivers at Arriva South and Metroline recieved postal strike ballots after workers at both companies voted by over 95 percent for strikes in recent consultative ballots.
The strike by Metrobus workers was timed to coincide with the beginning of a 48-hour strike by workers at First Capital and First Centrewest.
This follows a very lively and solid 24-hour strike by the First workers earlier this month.
Osman, the Unite rep at Westbourne Park bus garage said “Our last strike was very strong – and we know that this one will be even better supported. Drivers are determined to win this fight. First is the biggest bus operator in Britain. It makes huge profits – yet it refuses to pay us decent wages.”
Another First worker added, “Management are trying to undermine our unity by encouraging people to work during the strike. They show us no respect at all. Shame on the company for treating us this way. None of us can really afford to strike. We’re losing three days pay. But we have no choice. We have to make a stand – and we have to make the company listen to us.”
The First and Metrobus strikes are the opening shots in a fight involving bus workers across the capital.
The strength and resolve of the strikes will be important in ensuring that the struggle for decent pay goes forward across London.
The stakes are very high and many drivers at other companies are asking when they will be joining the strikes.
The campaign on the buses is part of a growing pay fight among workers squeezed by low pay and soaring costs.
Workers at other bus companies should support the strikes by visiting the picket lines and – most importantly – by refusing to settle for less than the union’s claim for 5 percent or £30,000 based on a 38-hour week.
No comments:
Post a Comment