LONDON (Sputnik) – The largest UK union Unite is organizing a 24-hour strike for bus workers amid a dispute with London's 18 bus operators and Transport for London (TfL) over wages that the union believes should be the same for all bus drivers working in the British capital.
According to Unite, up to 27,000 bus workers are expected to show up for the strike that will start on February 5.
"TfL should be playing a constructive role in facilitating a resolution to the dispute with London's 18 bus operators, who despite our tireless efforts over two years are refusing to talk collectively about ending pay inequality," Unite regional officer Wayne King said as quoted in the union's Wednesday press release.
According to Unite, TfL is trying to "inflame" the situation instead of taking the necessary steps to end the dispute.
"TfL's interference is failing passengers and the men and women who keep London's buses on the road," King stressed.
Unite has organized multiple strikes amid ongoing disputes with London bus operators, who, according to King, make combined profits of around $195 million a year. Meanwhile city bus drivers get paid around $14-$18 an hour, depending on the company they work for.
