London Bus Strike over Olympic Pay Postponed

London bus workers have postponed their strike on Thursday over Olympic bonuses in order for fresh talks to continue.

Discussions to resolve the row have been ongoing for the past two days at the conciliation service Acas.

The Unite union strike was over a claim for a £500 bonus for working during the Games. They have planned another strike just before the Olympics on July 24.

Peter Harwood, Acas chief conciliator, told the Press Association: “I am pleased to announce the suspension of both the pending court action and tomorrow’s strike. Acas talks are continuing.”

Transport for London (TfL) earlier offered to share any additional revenue made during the Olympics with bus staff in a move to resolve the dispute.

TfL’s managing director surface transport, Leon Daniels, said: “TfL does not directly employ London bus workers and this is therefore an issue for the bus operating companies and Unite to resolve through negotiation.

“However, in order to address the perception that TfL will be generating significant additional bus fare revenue from the Games, we have offered to share any additional revenue with bus staff.

“The offer of additional funds from the bus operating companies and a share of any additional bus fare revenue generated during the Games means there is no justification for further strike action.

“Should Unite insist that the total sum available is offered to all employees at bus operators across London, then this would mean a payment £583 for every employee of every bus company.”