22/06/2012

Transport For London Bus Drivers Strike Over Olympic Bonus

Thousands of bus workers in London are on strike in a dispute over bonus pay for working during the Olympics.

Transport for London (TfL) said more than a third of bus routes were running but "many routes were disrupted".

Members of Unite employed by 17 bus firms walked out for 24 hours from 03:00 BST over a £500 bonus.

But those working with Arriva, Metroline and Go Ahead are prevented from joining in after the firms won an injunction against the strike action.

TfL advised people to check for disruption before travel.

Before 08:30 this morning, it said around a quarter of buses were running, but later it revised this figure up.

TfL said staff and volunteers would be at key bus stations and on streets to advise passengers and hand out walking maps.

Marshalled taxi ranks will also operate at busy transport hubs, including Victoria, St Pancras, Waterloo, Liverpool Street and London Bridge, and staff will work throughout Friday to ensure bikes are available at Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme docking stations, TfL said.

Passengers can also use their bus passes on "reasonable alternative routes".

It is understood the workers going on strike represent about 85% of the total workforce.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said the strike was "extremely frustrating" and added: "I can only conclude that this strike is being driven by hardline trades union militancy and a desire to have a strike for political purposes."

(H)


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