TfL Confirms: Windrush Line Will Not Be Affected by Strike

Rail maintenance workers on a section of the London Overground have walked out for 24 hours in a pay dispute, though Transport for London says passengers should see little disruption with a normal timetable expected to operate throughout.
Members of the RMT union employed by contractor Cleshar CS Ltd began their strike on Thursday, with two further walkouts already scheduled for 26 March and 23 April if the dispute remains unresolved.
Cleshar is responsible for track, signalling and telecoms maintenance on the Windrush line between Dalston Junction and New Cross Gate. TfL said contingency plans were in place to cover any faults arising on that stretch during the strike, though it acknowledged repairs could take somewhat longer than normal if issues did emerge.
The RMT says its members were offered a pay rise of just 1.5%, which the union says falls significantly short of the Retail Prices Index measure of inflation. It says Cleshar has not returned to the table with an improved offer despite talks having taken place. The union also raised concerns about alleged underpayment of overtime and annual leave entitlements, as well as reductions to sick pay and paternity pay compared with terms that existed under the previous contractor.
The RMT has further argued that low basic pay is driving workers in safety-critical roles to take on excessive overtime, raising fatigue concerns among staff responsible for keeping the network safe.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union remaine willing to reach a settlement but said that would require Cleshar to put forward what he described as a serious and reasonable offer. TfL said it had urged both parties to resolve the dispute through negotiation.
Cleshar has been approached for comment.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​