London Mayor Claims Money Available to End Bus Strike Threat

A potential Bus strike during the Olympics may be averted after London Mayor Boris Johnson said £8.3m is available to pay off bus workers.

Unite trade union members want a £500 Olympics ‘bonus’ for working during the Games.

Transport for London refused the demand, order triggering the strike set to take place on Friday.

But money supplied by the Olympic Delivery Authority could see the action cancelled.

Mayor Johnson said: “I urge them (UNITE) to do the right thing by their workforce and by Londoners and get on and negotiate. I would say to those that are seriously proposing a strike that would be greatly disruptive.

“I say to them that cash is available but it is only available on the condition that Londoners are not disrupted and that there is no strike.”

Unite chief, Peter Kavanagh insisted more needed to happen before the strike was cancelled.

“We cannot call the strike off until we hear from the bus companies and we are persuaded that TfL is serious about resolving this dispute. With only 36 hours left, every minute counts,” he said.

“There are 20 bus operators – it’s imperative there’s a single forum to meet with the bus companies and TfL’s involvement is vital in order to secure a deal.”