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Approximately 350 bus drivers in north-east London are set to participate in a four-day strike next month amid ongoing disputes regarding allegations of bullying and union suppression at a local bus depot.
The trade union Unite claims that following a management change at the Lea Interchange Bus Garage in Leyton, east London, its members have faced unfair suspensions and instances of aggressive conduct.
Union members at the depot, which operates under Stagecoach, plan to strike on the following dates: February 6, 7, 20, and 21.
In response, Stagecoach has denied Unite’s accusations of union victimization or bullying, emphasizing the significance of their recognized trade union.
Unite has reported that one member was unjustly dismissed but later reinstated, while another faced suspension on what they describe as fabricated charges following a confrontation with management.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, stated, „Unite will never stand by and allow representatives to be bullied. Workers at the Lea Interchange Bus Company have our full support throughout this dispute.“
Previous Strikes and Ongoing Disputes
The upcoming strikes follow four previous strike days that occurred in December and January.
Stagecoach London reiterated, „We would not tolerate the victimization of union representatives for performing their duties. Any disciplinary actions are managed through established procedures agreed upon by the trade union, which apply equally to all employees and include rights to representation and appeal.“
John Murphy, a regional officer for Unite, acknowledged the inconvenience for passengers but attributed the ongoing dispute to the employer’s failure to propose a resolution.
Stagecoach London further stated, „We have made extensive efforts to resolve this issue, including agreeing to independent mediation, and we remain open to further discussions. Our priority is to minimize disruption and continue providing a safe, reliable service for our customers during the strike action.“
Routes Affected by the Strike
The industrial action will impact several bus routes, including:
- 58
- 86
- 97
- 135
- 236
- 276
- 308
- 339
- 488
- D8
- W13
- W14
- 678
Key routes affected include the 97, which services the Westfield Stratford City shopping center, and the 276, which connects to Newham Hospital. For more information on the current disruptions, you can check the article on the Severe Disruption on Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.
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Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Belinda Fewings auf Unsplash
