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

Education Navigator - Integrated Front Door

Cheshire East Council
£43,149 - £49,658 per annum
Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and families? Macclesfield, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Executive Director of Finance and Assets (Section 151 Officer)

West Surrey Council
£161,239–£177,363
You will also lead a more strategic approach to West Surrey’s assets, income and commercial activity. West Surrey
Recuriter: West Surrey Council

Technical & Validation Officer

Ashfield District Council
£29,542 - £32,046 per annum
We have an opportunity available for a Technical & Validation Officer Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottingham
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Environmental Services Operative (Driver)

Ashfield District Council
£27,274 - £29,071 per annum
Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Environment Area Supervisor

Ashfield District Council
£33,119 - £35,570 per annum
We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking and highly motivated operational team leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner