Major tourist attractions such as Tower Bridge could be disrupted as City of London Corporation workers prepare to strike against their “extremely wealthy” employer.
The City of London Corporation, the municipal governing body for London’s historic centre, employs 1000 GMB union members as guides, park keepers, technicians and more.
But strike chaos beckons after 83 per cent of members voted to reject the Corporation’s “non-negotiable” three per cent pay offer plus a winter fuel payment of £1,000. They are holding out for an inflation-matching rise.
Anna Lee, GMB London Region Organiser said: “The Corporation continues to host lavish dinners and functions, whilst these low-paid workers are struggling to meet the costs of life’s basics and bills.
“The Corporation could choose to fund a real pay rise but they prefer to spend it on banquets for the bankers – this is unacceptable to our members so we will now move to an industrial action ballot.”
Although the Corporation often acts like a local authority, responsible for bin collection, children’s services and other council obligations, it also runs many of the capital’s major tourist attractions.
GMB Union has warned that other tourist sites, like the Barbican and Hampstead Heath, are also likely to be affected.
One GMB Member employed by the Corporation said: “City of London salaries struggle to compete even with the national local government offer. It’s a disgrace for such a prestigious and wealthy organisation.”
GMB London has said if the Corporation doesn’t return to the negotiating table it will face strike action.
GMB union represents 500,000 members working in nearly all industrial sectors, including retail, security, schools, distribution, utilities, social care, local government and the NHS.
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