Members of the RMT union who carry out “safety critical” work on the Windrush line will carry out 24-hour strikes on February 26, March 26 and April 23, after they were given a “derisory” pay offer.
Red lines: the highly profitable company employing staff on the Windrush line has made a ‘derisory’ 1.5% pay offer
The staff work on signalling and telecoms on the London Overground line which operates between West Croydon, Norwood Junction and Crystal Palace, via New Cross Gate to Canada Water and Islington.
Without the signalling team’s work, the railway cannot operate.
The workers are employed by Cleshar CS Ltd, contractors for Transport for London. Cleshar made a profit of £991,915 in its most recent financial year and paid out more than £533,000 in dividends to its shareholders.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said its members have been offered a 1.5% pay rise – well below the rate of inflation. “The employer already relies heavily on overtime because of understaffing, highlighting how central the workforce is to the operation of the line.
“The dispute also involves ongoing problems with overtime and annual leave pay, and inferior terms and conditions compared with those in place under the previous contractor, Carillion,” the union said.
Eddie Dempsey, the RMT general secretary, said: “Our members have been insulted with such a derisory offer and have no choice but to take strike action.
Strike action: RMT secretary Eddie Demspey
“This company is highly profitable and can afford a decent offer for these safety-critical workers.
“Strike action would be disruptive and our members do not want to inconvenience passengers.
“But the company has a duty to pay our people properly and we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement.”
TfL says that it is assessing the impact of potential strike action and is putting plans in place to help minimise disruption.
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