Docklands Light Railway staff to strike

Staff on the DLR are concerned about pay and disciplinary procedures

Staff on London's Docklands Light Railway (DLR) have voted to go on strike in a dispute over pay and industrial relations.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said its members backed industrial action by 9-1.

Staff are taking action over a series of issues including this year's pay award, the use of agency staff and disciplinary procedures, the RMT said.

Serco Docklands said it was "disappointed" by the announcement.

'Cavalier abuse'

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "RMT will not tolerate the cavalier abuse of procedures, agreements and pay negotiations which has led to the complete breakdown of industrial relations on this vital section of the London transport operation.

He added that Transport for London and contractors Serco needed to recognise the staff saying, "it's about time they were treated with the respect that they deserve".

The union's executive will discuss its next move and is likely to consider co-ordinating action with planned strikes on the Tube next month in a separate dispute over ticket office closures.

The union, which has around 500 members at the DLR, reported a 70% turnout in the strike ballot.

RMT members on London Underground are set to stage two 48-hour walkouts from 4 and 11 February over ticket office closures.

'Unnecessary action'

Transport for London said the issue was a matter for Serco Docklands Ltd, which operates the DLR, but it urged the union to return to negotiating table to avoid unnecessary disruption to passengers.

Kevin Thomas, the managing director of Serco Docklands, said, "We are very disappointed by the RMT's announcement to take industrial action at Serco Docklands.

"Our priority remains to continue discussions with employees and Union representatives to resolve the dispute and avoid any unnecessary industrial action and service disruption to our passengers."

He added that company were working hard to resolve the issues raised by the union.