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LONDON BUS STRIKE Bus pay talks plea


Unite’s London bus drivers postponed further strike action in February, in a bid to get London’s 18 bus operators around the table in talks with the conciliation service Acas.


The postponement came as an act of goodwill to enable talks over a collective pay and conditions body, which would cover all of the capital’s bus workers.


In contrast to tube drivers, there are now hundreds of different pay rates covering London’s bus drivers, doing the same job, even driving the same route but for different rates of pay.


Unite claims a refusal by the operators to address pay inequality has led to pay gaps of over £3 an hour for new starters opening up, with pay varying from £9.30 to £12.34 an hour depending on the company.


HEALTH AND SAFETY


First aiders help save life


When a Unite colleague collapsed outside the union’s central office in London recently, Unite’s trained first aiders played a pivotal, life- saving role.


Unite ICT service manager Lisa Tranter, HR adviser Sandra Kelleher and receptionist Remi Badejo sprang into action as the colleague suffered a sudden seizure.


Unite chief of staff Andrew Murray hailed the life-saving work of those who helped at the scene. “Their speedy, calm and trained intervention made such a huge difference – we’re lucky to have such capable colleagues,” he said.


But the incident shows just how crucial it is to have trained first aiders in the workplace.


Although a legal requirement to have at least one fully trained first aider per 50 people in any given building, Unite goes above and beyond this minimum.


“Accidents and illness can happen at any time and first aid can save lives and prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones,” said Unite national health and safety adviser Bud Hudspith.


The colleague is currently recovering and we wish her all the best.


7 uniteWORKS Spring 2015


So far over 20,000 bus workers working for 18 bus operators have taken part in two days of solidly supported strike action, causing widespread disruption.


“All we are asking for is a collective forum to discuss how we can end pay


disparities over a sensible timeframe,” said Unite regional officer Wayne King.


“A failure to do so will mean that strike action and the disruption caused by the last two strongly supported strikes will be back on the cards.”


MANUFACTURING


Car parts jobs at risk


A consultation over plans by the West Midlands based Car Parts Industries UK to axe 180 jobs and relocate the work to Poland was branded a ‘sham’ by Unite in February.


The Wednesbury-based firm which refurbishes steering units and brake callipers for cars and vans for the used parts market entered into a 45-day consultation period over the plans which will see the 260 strong workforce reduced to about 80. The company has so far refused to discuss the plans with the union leading to fears it’s seeking to railroad through the job losses without looking at other options.


“The company needs to come clean, drop its ‘fait accompli’ proposals and work with Unite and the workforce to keep the jobs here in the UK,” said Unite regional officer Natalia Stepnowska.


Bus stop – Unite has asked for talks


Mark Thomas


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