Severe disruption is set to hit a key London Overground line as industrial action over pay has been confirmed for three separate dates spanning February through to April. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has announced that signallers and telecommunications staff working on the Windrush line will stage three full 24-hour walkouts, threatening to bring services to a halt or cause significant delays.
Strike Dates Confirmed for Windrush Line Services
The union has scheduled the strike action to take place on Thursday, February 26, Thursday, March 26, and Thursday, April 23. Each stoppage will last for a full 24-hour period, with train services expected to be either cancelled entirely or subject to severe disruption if the industrial action proceeds as planned. Passengers relying on the Windrush line are being urged to seek alternative travel arrangements on these dates.
Pay Offer Deemed "Derisory" by Union Officials
At the heart of the dispute is a pay rise offer of just 1.5 per cent, which has been presented to staff by Cleshar CS Ltd, a subcontractor working for Transport for London (TfL). The RMT has firmly rejected this proposal, labelling it as "derisory" and wholly unacceptable given the current economic climate and the critical nature of the roles involved.
In a detailed statement, the union highlighted additional grievances beyond the basic pay increase. These include ongoing issues related to overtime payments and annual salary adjustments, as well as concerns that staff are now working under "inferior terms" compared to those previously offered by the former contractor, Carillion. The combination of these factors has solidified the resolve of union members to take industrial action.
RMT Vows to Continue Campaign for Fair Settlement
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey has been vocal in his criticism of the subcontractor's position. He emphasised that the company is highly profitable and fully capable of making a decent offer to these safety-critical workers. Dempsey stated, "Our members have been insulted with such a derisory offer and have no choice but to take strike action."
He further acknowledged the inevitable inconvenience to passengers, noting, "Strike action would be disruptive and our members do not want to inconvenience passengers. But the company has a duty to pay our people properly and we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement." This underscores the union's commitment to pursuing a fair resolution through sustained pressure and negotiation.
The announcement places renewed focus on labour relations within London's transport network, particularly on the Overground system, which has become an increasingly vital artery for commuters across the capital. With three separate strike days now confirmed, travellers are advised to stay updated on the latest travel advice from TfL and to plan their journeys carefully to mitigate the expected widespread disruption.
