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

Senior Reward Consultant

Essex County Council
£60469.0000 - £71140.0000 per annum
Senior Reward ConsultantPermanent, Full Time£60,469.00 to £71,140.00 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Resources

Dartmoor National Park Authority
£71,288 - £77,905 per annum
Dartmoor National Park Authority is the body that oversees the vibrant, living, working landscape and communities of Dartmoor National Park. Devon
Recuriter: Dartmoor National Park Authority

Business Relationship Manager

Essex County Council
£62461 - £73483 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK. This vacancy England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Disabled Children's Service

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum
As a Social Worker within the Disabled Children’s Service, you will play a vital role in a supportive and experienced specialist team Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Children and Families Worker – Multi Agency Screening Team (MAST)

North Yorkshire Council
£32,578 - £35,570
You will work directly with children, young people, and their families. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner