Workers employed by contractors Keolis Amey Docklands that work on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) have commenced strike action over a pay dispute.
Keolis Amey Docklands has a contract with Transport for London (TfL) for operating the DLR.
Members of union The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) were instructed not to book on for any shifts from midnight on Monday 6 November and to take 48-hour strike action until 23:59 hours on Wednesday 8 November. There may be minor disruption on Thursday 9 November.
The employees, who had already been carrying out an overtime and rest day working ban in pursuit of an improved pay offer, stated that the strike action is due to Keolis Amey Docklands offering a pay rise that is less than half the rate of the retail price index increase.
Mick Lynch, general secretary at RMT, called on the employer to “stand by its commitments rather than holding back on the pay up lift that staff deserved”, adding: “RMT remains available for meaningful talks to reach a settlement.”
Glynn Barton, chief operating officer at TfL, said: “I’m sorry for any disruption this strike action causes if it goes ahead, but it’s not too late for the RMT to call off these strikes and come to an agreement with our operator, Keolis Amey Docklands, and allow our customers to travel easily. Our advice for our customers is clear; plan ahead, consider alternative routes, check before you travel and allow extra time to complete your journeys.”
RMT members have been taking part in strike action on and off for most of this year as they want better pay and conditions to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. Last month, the union secured a mandate for six more months of strikes after 89.9% of almost 20,000 members across 14 rail organisations voted to strike on a 63.6% turnout.