DLR workers consider strike over rosters
Docklands Light Railway workers will decide later this month whether to walk out in a row over shifts.
The Rail Maritime and Transport union has advised its members to strike over plans to replace the current 12-hour weekend shifts with eight-hour duties on January 5. It claims DLR operator Serco's action would deprive 30 staff of 24 rest days a year.
Serco argues the measures are being brought in to reduce fatigue and increase training time. The ballot closes on December 22.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "This is a straightforward and unacceptable attack on our DLR members' working conditions which will have a massive impact on their ability to balance their working and family lives.
"Serco Docklands can hardly be surprised at our members' anger when it intends to impose the disputed rosters without agreement on January 5.
"We have urged our members to vote for industrial action, and if Serco Docklands wants to avoid industrial action it should withdraw the new patterns."
Serco confirmed that a "dispute" was taking place over the New Year roster with members of its Poplar control centre team. But it argued that the changes were necessary to "establish a significantly safer way of working" in view of the "significant growth of the railway".
It added that "most staff" accepted the need for a change, which was reportedly implemented following consultation with affected staff over the last few months. Under the new patterns, control centre staff will work an average of 180 days per year.
Serco Docklands managing director David Godley said: “We cannot compromise on an issue of safety but we will do all we can to reach agreement with our staff without any impact to DLR services.�
Older/Newer
« Workers rush to sell expensive homes | Charlton 2 Derby 2 »
Leave a comment