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

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
North Yorkshire Council have a national reputation for excellence, and we are looking for a SEND Assistant EHC Caseworkers. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
North Yorkshire Council have a national reputation for excellence, and we are looking for a SEND Assistant EHC Caseworkers. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lead for Education & Adult Social Care Transport Services

Essex County Council
£59792 - £70343 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held across W/C 25th May 2026.The OpportunityThis is an exciting opportunity to lead a number of Essex County Council's (ECC) most England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vehicle and Plant Mechanic x 3

Wakefield Council
Grade 7 - Grade 8, Career Grade, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity exists in the Council’s Transport Services Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Visitor Experience Assistant with Catering (Casual)

Wakefield Council
£13.47 - £13.69 per hour, Grade 4, Casual
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner