13 bus routes will be affected by the strike as drivers at Lea Interchange Bus Company picket tomorrow and Saturday, reports Marco Marcelline
Bus drivers at a Leyton depot are set to go on strike tomorrow (9th January) and Saturday (10th January).
The action comes as Unite union members at Lea Interchange Bus Company, run by Stagecoach, accuse their management of “bullying” and “union victimisation”.
Unite representatives at the affected depot, located in Leyton, East London, claim they have been subjected to aggressive behaviour since a change in management a few months ago.
In a statement confirming action, Unite alleges that one of its rep was suspended, later dismissed and then reinstated, while another was suspended on “trumped-up charges”.
The union believes these reps are being targeted for participating in trade union activities, in a violation of employment law.
Amid a 98% vote by Unite members to strike, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite will never stand idly by when an employer uses union busting and bullying tactics.”
The strike will significantly disrupt a total of 13 routes that run across East London, including the 97 which runs between Chingford and Stratford, and the W13 from Leyton Mills to Woodford.
Transport for London (TfL) says little to no service is expected on the other following routes: 58,135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, and 678.
A Stagecoach spokesperson told the Echo that it “strongly refutes” Unite’s allegations of union victimisation and bullying, while also saying the dispute is “not about pay”.
They said: “We recognise the important role of our recognised trade union and would not tolerate victimisation of union representatives for carrying out their duties.
“Any disciplinary matters are handled through long-established, trade-union-agreed procedures that apply equally to all employees and include the right to representation and appeal.
“We have made extensive efforts to resolve this matter, including agreeing to independent mediation, and remain open to further dialogue.
“Our priority is to do everything possible to minimise disruption and continue providing a safe, reliable service for our customers during the strike action.”
However, Unite regional officer John Murphy said: “We understand that those who rely on these bus services will be concerned to hear of industrial action, but this dispute is entirely the fault of the employer for bullying hardworking members of its workforce.
“The ballot result shows the strength of solidarity between bus drivers and their colleagues who have been affected by union busting. Management still have a chance to stop this disruptive action, but it relies on them radically changing their behaviour towards our reps.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “Strike action is expected to impact 13 bus routes, however, the vast majority of London’s bus network will still operate as planned on these days. Some local bus routes in the east and northeast areas may be busier than normal.
“We encourage customers who are affected to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app. We encourage both parties to find a solution to this dispute and we’re sorry for any disruption to people’s journeys.”
For more details on the industrial action and tools to plan your journey, go here
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