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

Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 - £50,269 - £54,495
Are you an experienced, motivated leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people? We’re looking for someone who can inspir Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker, Connecting Families Team

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £44,075 - £48,226 (Post-Progression)
Connecting families are a team within the Children in Care service in Durham. The team support families of children who are subject to a Section 31 Ca Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Human Resources Officer Advice and Support

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
  Do you want a new challenge?  An opportunity to develop your career in HR or try something new? If so, come and join our team. The post is full tim Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   Do you want a role where your organisation skills make a real difference in local communities? Join our Newly remodelled Local Net Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,800 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner