London United bus workers secure pay rise victory

Over 1,600 bus drivers employed by London United in North and West London have secured a major pay victory.

The workers took four days of industrial action last month after only being offered a pay increase of 3.6 per cent. Following the industrial action, further talks were held.

An increase of 10 per cent was agreed to be paid from 3 September 2022, with back pay of nine per cent from 4 December 2021 to 2 September 2022 also being agreed.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a hard fought victory. By standing together and taking strike action, our members have ensured they will receive a greatly improved pay increase.

“This victory demonstrates that Unite’s approach to always focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of its member is paying financial dividends.”

In addition to the main pay increase it was also agreed:
The garage trainer allowance will be increased to £40 per week
· Workers at the Park Royal depot will receive a Boxing Day payment for 26 December 2022 and for this payment to be paid retrospectively for 2018-2021
· The existing safety allowance will be paid for the period 21 July – 31 December and then replaced by a new allowance
An additional day’s leave for workers with 20 years of service.

The same percentage increase and back pay of the deal will also apply to the controllers and engineers who work at the company.

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: “This victory is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of Unite’s reps and members. Without their dedication and commitment it would have been impossible to secure such an important result for London bus workers.”

Despite the dispute on pay now being resolved, Unite will be mounting a fresh campaign in support of one of their reps who has been victimised and dismissed by the company.