05.06.15
Security and cleaning staff to strike on DLR
Facilities workers on the Docklands Light Railway are to strike for 48 hours from Monday in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
Members of the RMT union who are employed through Interserve to provide cleaning and security services for the DLR has earlier walked out for two days from 27-29 May as part of the same dispute.
They will now not book onto any shifts from 5.30am on Monday 8 June until 5.29am on Wednesday 10 June.
RMT reps have been in talks with Interserve management regarding a series of issues that remained unresolved. The main issue the union balloted over was members not receiving pay increases that maintain the differentials between grades. This is a longstanding claim, from when the contract was with Carlisle Cleaning & Security, the union says.
Members voted 80% in favour of action.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The union had no option but to move to a further 48 hours of strike action of DLR staff hired in through Interserve in this dispute. The union will not sit back while core issues on pay and working conditions are left unresolved.
“The ballot result delivered a huge democratic mandate that shows the anger amongst our members and it is about time that Interserve woke up and took note. That anger, determination and solidarity was displayed in the rock solid 48 hours of action at the end of last month.
“Our reps are in no doubt that we need to continue to send a clear message to management that staff are prepared to fight to demand decent rewards and recognition, a safe working environment, decent working conditions and will not be forced into accepting inferior pay arrangements from either KAD or their approved contractors .”
TfL’s director of the Docklands Light Railway, Rory O’Neill, said: “This is a dispute between the RMT leadership and Interserve who employ the staff concerned. We urge both parties to sit down and talk through the issues to try and resolve them as soon as possible. We don’t expect the industrial action to have any impact on customer services.”
A statement from Interserve is expected later today.
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