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

Head of Resident Engagement

Ealing London Borough Council
up to £93k
If you’re a housing professional looking for a job that will stretch and reward you in equal measure London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Head of Housing Allocations & Accommodation

Ealing London Borough Council
up to £93k
If you’re a housing professional looking for a job that will stretch and reward you in equal measure London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Assistant Director Housing Demand

Ealing London Borough Council
up to £114k
At Ealing, our mission is clear
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Chief Finance Officer

Liverpool City Council
Up to £187k
You’ll play your part in accelerating this progress, and will share our vision Liverpool, Merseyside
Recuriter: Liverpool City Council

Director of Education, Partnerships And Strategy

Brent Council
CIRCA £150,000
You will play a leading role across the wider children’s system, working closely with health London (Greater)
Recuriter: Brent Council
Linkedin Banner