London tram maintenance workers strike over pay rises

London tram passengers, including those travelling to the Wimbledon tennis tournament, are being asked to consider alternative routes due to strikes by maintenance workers.

Due to a dispute over pay, Unite members will strike from 30 June to 8 July and again from 11 to 15 July.

Transport for London (TfL) announced that there would be limited services and disruptions across the entire London tram network on some days.

Passengers were advised to complete their journey by 6pm on strike days.

TfL said: “Where possible, customers should consider walking or cycling on local journeys. London Buses and London Overground are expected to operate as normal but may be busier than normal.”

Navid Golshan, general manager of London Trams, said: “We call on Unite to work with us to find a solution and call off these strikes.”

“Customers wishing to use London Tram services are asked to research before travelling, allow extra time for their journeys and check the TfL website or TfL Go app for the latest travel information.”

The workers first went on strike in March, saying they were being paid up to £10,000 less per year than their colleagues on the London Underground, despite having the same qualifications and performing the same tasks.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: “TfL believes it can hire these workers cheaply and treat them like second-class employees.”

“The situation is completely unacceptable and our members have every right to go on strike. They have the full support of Unite.”