More bus strikes loom: But new East London deal being put to staff

Colin Grainger , Editor Friday, June 29, 2012
11:37 AM

Bus workers are to stage two new strikes in a dispute over an Olympics bonus, including one walkout days before the Games start.

Buy local bus services in Newham may be okay, if a fresh deal put to workers by Stagecoach today is accepted.

The Unite union said workers would go on strike next Thursday July 5 and July 24 - three days before the opening ceremony. Drivers at 17 bus companies who want a £500 Olympic bonus staged a 24-hour walkout this time last week.

Transport for London (TfL) said the strikes were “unnecessary” as an extra £8.3m has been brokered by Boris Johnson.

The union is seeking a bonus for its 21,000 members. They point out that other transport workers have been promised the payment for extra work entailed during the Games.

The union is planning on holding talks at the conciliation service ACAS on Monday.

Stagecoach East London, one of the main firms with routes near the Olympic Park, has made an offer to its staff which will be put to workers today.

A previous meeting at ACAS ended without a deal .