Commenting on the decision by Transport for London to reinstate
fares on some London buses from tomorrow (Saturday 23 May) Unite
regional officer John Murphy said:
“Unite’s primary concern throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has
been about the safety of bus workers. We will be closely
monitoring the reintroduction of fares on the capital's buses to
ensure that there is no compromising of their safety whatsoever.
“Unite has been assured fares will only be reintroduced on some
routes initially.
“On London buses where the front door is currently sealed for
safety reasons, those doors will not re-open until new improved
screens are installed surrounding the driver to ensure that their
health is fully protected.
“The roll out of the improved safety screens will be gradual, and
TfL and the bus operators will not implement it until Unite is
satisfied that all safety concerns have been fully resolved.
“It is important to remember the reintroduction of charging on
buses has been forced on the Mayor of London as part of the
government’s financial support for Transport for London.
“It is imperative that the pay, terms and conditions of bus
drivers and London transport workers, who have been on the
frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, are not at all affected by
the strings attached to the government’s financial support.”
