Rail workers are set to walk out on one of London’s Overground lines in a dispute over pay, threatening disruption for commuters across three days this spring.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) employed by contractor Cleshar will stage 24-hour strikes on the Windrush line on 26 February, 26 March, and 23 April. The industrial action follows the rejection of a 1.5 per cent pay rise offer.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said workers had been left with little choice. “Our members have been insulted with such a derisory offer and have no choice but to take strike action,” he said.
The dispute centres on signalling and telecoms workers contracted through Cleshar, which provides these services on behalf of Transport for London (TfL). The union described the pay offer as inadequate, though the contractor had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
TfL has called on both sides to reach an agreement. “We urge the RMT and Cleshar CS Ltd to work together to resolve this dispute over pay and conditions,” a spokesperson said.
The transport body added that contingency measures were being prepared. “We are assessing the impact of potential strike action and are putting plans in place to help minimise any disruption for our customers,” the spokesperson said.
The planned walkouts come months after a separate five-day strike on the London Underground in September, which also involved RMT members in a dispute over pay and conditions. That action caused widespread disruption across the capital’s transport network.
