London tram workers announce more strikes over pay

The strikes may impact people travelling to the Wimbledon tennis tournament

London Trams passengers, including those travelling to the Wimbledon tennis tournament, are being urged to consider alternative routes due to strikes.

Maintenance workers who are members of Unite union will walk out from 30 June to 8 July and again from 11 to 15 July in a dispute over pay.

Transport for London (TfL) said it expected a reduced and disrupted service on the whole of the London Trams network on some of the strike days.

Passengers were advised to complete their journey by 18:00 BST on strike days.

'Consider walking and cycling'

A spokesperson for TfL said: "Where possible, customers should consider walking and cycling for local journeys.

"London Buses and London Overground are expected to operate as normal but could be busier than normal."

Navid Golshan, general manager for London Trams, said: "We urge Unite to work with us to find a resolution and call these strikes off.

"Customers planning to use London Trams services are encouraged to check before they travel, allow extra time for their journeys, and check the TfL website or the TfL Go app for the latest travel information."

The workers first took strike action in March, saying they were paid up to £10,000 a year less than their colleagues on the London Underground, despite requiring the same qualifications and performing the same roles.

A five-day strike also took place from 5 to 9 May after Unite accused of TfL for engaging in "bad faith talks".

At the time TfL said it had been "open and honest throughout the process".

'Unacceptable'

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "TfL thinks it can employ these workers on the cheap and treat them as second-class employees.

"The situation is totally unacceptable and our members are absolutely right to take strike action.

"They have Unite's unflinching support."