Croydon Tramlink: Disruption expected in south London during planned strikes

Tram passengers in south London are being warned to expect disruption after a union announced a series of strikes.

About 60 Croydon Tramlink engineers are expected to go on strike in a row with TfL over pay from 24 to 28 March, the union Unite announced.

In addition, planned engineering work will follow on Thameslink and Southeastern train routes over the Easter weekend, also causing some disruption.

In a statement, Unite said the walkout of engineers was taking place because similarly-qualified staff who work for London Underground can be paid up to £10,000 a year more.

It said this was causing staffing shortages for Croydon Tramlink, as staff leave to take up a role on the Tube when it becomes available.

However, TfL urged the union to continue negotiations and to call the strike off.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For years, TfL has gotten away with paying Tramlink engineers substantially less than their colleagues on the London Underground.

“Not anymore – our members are sick of being treated as poor relations by TfL. They have Unite’s absolute support in striking for fair pay.”

TfL advises that a normal service is expected on Sunday, March 24, but that between Monday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 27, no London Trams service is expected before 7am or after 6pm.

A reduced service will operate between Wimbledon and Reeves Corner, and between East Croydon and Beckenham Junction/New Addington during operational hours, while services are expected to start later than normal on March 28.

Navid Golshan, general manager for London Trams at TfL, said: "We urge Unite the Union to continue to work with us to find a resolution and call this strike off.

"Customers planning to use London Trams services are urged to check before they travel, allow extra time for their journeys, and check the TfL website or the TfL Go app for the latest travel information."

Additional travel disruption will be caused over the Easter weekend due to planned engineering work on some rail routes, passengers are also being warned.