City of London Corp. workers threaten industrial action over pay that would close major attractions
City of London Corp. – governing one of the richest square miles in the world – is refusing to offer a cost of living pay rise to workers
Staff pay survey revealed Corporation of London workers 'using foodbanks' and borrowing to get by are considering strikes that would close Tower Bridge and some of London’s major tourist attractions
The city of London Corporation which owns much of London’s tourist attractions including Barbican, bridges, London's markets, the Museum of London and other major sights is threatened with industrial action.
GMB London’s members working for the Corporation are considering strike action following a ballot where 80 per cent of GMB members rejected the employer’s below-inflation pay offer. 70 per cent of those who voted said they would take industrial action if the “pitiful” offer was not improved.
Members are demanding an inflation-matching pay rise after a staff survey found statements of workers using foodbanks and others borrowing money from friends and family to meet rising living costs.
One (Anon) GMB member said:
"I'm unable to pay for my mortgage, childcare and food shopping as a single mother."
Another added:
"I'm struggling to keep up with basic expenditure due to increased cost of living across the board."
Anna Lee, GMB London Region Organiser said:
“It is simply wrong that the City of London – one of the richest square miles in the world – is refusing to offer a cost of living pay rise to our members. Their pitiful offer makes a mockery of these key workers who kept the City running throughout the pandemic. GMB members in the city work in every role from cleaners to social workers to security and constabulary officers. They had no choice but to reject the offer and we will take industrial action as a last resort to deliver pay justice and we will back them 100%.
"Reports of workers taking second jobs to keep the wolf from the door is an indication of how desperate the situation has become for these workers as prices and costs spiral beyond control."
The Corporation has proposed a three per cent rise plus a one-off payment for those members working in the parks, maintenance, housing estates, security guards, and cleaning roles. GMB is calling on the Corporation of London to review this offer or face the challenge of industrial action.
Ends.
For more information please contact: Anna Lee, GMB London Region Organiser 078 7017 6720
GMB London Region Press Office 079 7001 9643 / London.press@gmb.org.uk
