It’s Not Just Taxi Drivers That Protest Against Their Totally Inadequate Regulator. Now Their Own Staff Are Up In Arms

Unite the union, has labelled the pay increase 'derisory' - but TfL says it's "fair and responsible"

Around six hundred TfL workers are striking today in a row over pay, with their union picketing outside TfL’s headquarters on Blackfriars Road.

Around three hundred Dial-a-Ride workers and a further three hundred TfL compliance officers and revenue inspectors have pledged the 24-hour strike alongside the two-hour picket of Palestra House, from 10am to 12noon.

The row comes after TfL approved a one per cent pay rise for its workers, which the Unite union has labelled a "derisory" pay cut in real terms.

"The anger of TfL workers is turning into action," said Unite regional officer Simon McCartney.

"They are fighting back against paltry pay. Unless TfL bosses rethink their decision to impose a real terms pay cut the dispute could escalate further."

"What is clear is that TfL have botched these pay talks and they are trying to cover their tracks by refusing to negotiate, hoping the issue will go away."

Mr McCartney raised the prospect of further strikes, saying workers are being balloted for industrial action at Victoria Coach station and at Croydon Trams engineering and surfacing operations.

Unite has already vowed further 24-hour strikes on February 28, March 27 and April 24

However, TfL managers hit back at the claims, saying their offer was both "fair and responsible."

"We have plans in place to ensure any disruption to Dial-a-Ride members will be kept to a minimum," said James Mead, General Manager of Dial-a-Ride.

"We believe our package to increase our staff’s pay is both fair and responsible and also offers an increase to 30 holidays over the next two years.

"We remain open for further talks with Unite and urge them to work with us to resolve the dispute rather than disrupt Londoners."

Graham Daly, the TfL boss who is in charge of compliance, said he was "disappointed" by the move.

"The offer is consistent across other TfL teams and was the outcome of detailed discussions involving our staff and Trade Unions," he said.

"Plans are in place to ensure that any impact of industrial action is minimised."