Workplace news in brief


London buses

London bus drivers in the Unite union have voted in a consultative ballot by 96% in favour of taking industrial action over sector-wide pay.

The union has pressed for sector-wide negotiations on London buses. Three times it invited the bus companies to discuss pay around one table, without success.

The next step is a formal postal ballot. But it is already clear drivers will unite and fight!

A London bus driver

University pensions

The University and College Union (UCU) has called a marking boycott from 6 November against pension cuts at 69 pre-1992 universities.

University UK wants to scrap the final salary element of the Universities Superannuation Scheme, replacing it with a career average.

78% of members have voted to take strike action, and 87% voted for action short of a strike.

Sam Morecroft, Sheffield UCU

Lambeth College

UCU members at Lambeth College have voted by 92% to reject new contracts and ballot for strike action.

The new contract includes cutting two weeks’ holiday, massively reduced sick pay and longer hours.

The UCU members took 26 days of consecutive action in June and July.


Nottingham care

50 home care workers from Unite and Unison protested noisily outside Nottingham city council offices.

The Labour controlled council intends to slash its care budget by 30%! It plans to cut care workers’ pay through downgrading.

Carol Starr, Unite shop steward said: “We will keep the pressure up… we are prepared to take industrial action if necessary.”

Cathy Meadows