DLR strike threat over ‘cavalier’ leadership

Union bosses today threatened New Year strike action on the Docklands Light Railway.

The RMT announced a strike ballot would begin on Monday, December 30, with the result on Thursday, January 16.

The union expects overwhelming endorsement of the strike call after what it claims has been a “complete breakdown of industrial relations”.

Following the result, the union must by law give seven days’ notice of any industrial action, meaning 24-hour walkouts could begin at the end of next month.

The dispute is over a range of issues including pay, working conditions and the use of agency and contract staff on Serco DLR, which is used by more than 250,000 passengers a day. Bob Crow, the RMT leader, said: “The union will not tolerate the cavalier abuse of procedures, agreements and pay negotiations which has led to a complete breakdown of industrial relations on this vital section of the London transport operation.”

Although the DLR is automatic, the trains have on-board managers, many of whom are RMT members.