Mark Whitehead 19 May 2023

Tower Bridge could close due to pay strike

Tower Bridge could close due to pay strike image
Image: alberto cervantes / Shutterstock.com.

Several major London tourist attractions could be forced to close after members of the GMB union voted to strike.

More than 900 City of London Corporation workers will walk out for 24 hours on 25 May in a dispute over pay.

Tourist spots including Tower Bridge, the Barbican, museums, gardens, parks and markets could all be hit after the workers voted to go on strike by a majority of 77%.

However, the corporation said it had already offered all full-time employees at least £2,300 extra which would address the challenges they face while ensuring a balanced budget.

It said providing the ‘inflation-matching pay increase demanded by the unions’ would result in cuts to services, including a considerable number of redundancies.

Anna Lee, GMB London region organiser, said: ‘This vote and support for strike action confirms how strongly our members feel and how this cost-of-living crisis is having such a devastating impact on them and their families.

‘This “them and us” culture within the Corporation of London has to end.

‘It is not OK for workers to be using foodbanks whilst Corporation bosses spend thousands of pounds of taxpayer's money on hospitality – while telling staff there's no money for pay.

‘Our members do not take this action lightly, but our demands for fair pay have been falling on deaf ears for months.

‘No one wants to go on strike but our members feel they are not being listened to, now they feel they have no alternative.

‘GMB calls on the City of London Corporation to properly value and respect their staff and return to the negotiating table.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Place

West Oxfordshire District Council
£95,202-£104,722 per annum
West Oxfordshire District Council is seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Director of Place Witney, Oxfordshire
Recuriter: West Oxfordshire District Council

Business Engagement Coordinator

Middlesbrough Council
£39,152 - £40,777
We have an exciting role on offer within our Community Learning Service as a Business Engagement Coordinator. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Audit & Risk Apprentice

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£12.42 per hour
As an Internal Audit & Risk Apprentice, no two days are the same. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Housing Officer (Employment & Wellbeing)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£17,217 to £18,640
Kirklees Homes & Neighbourhoods is responsible for almost 23,000 homes across Kirklees. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£12.42 per hour
Do you enjoy problem‑solving and learning new skills? Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner