Workplace Report July 2004

Recruitment and organisation news

RMT votes for bus stop

RMT transport union members at the Mitcham Belle bus company in south-west London took strike action in June over the company’s refusal to grant recognition.

The union claims to have 90% of the workforce in membership, and they voted by 69 votes to four in favour of a 24-hour strike.

The dispute was sparked by the dismissal of 10 staff, who the RMT says were sacked for their union activity.

The strike was due to be followed by a 48-hour stoppage a week later, but this was suspended after Mitcham Belle agreed to reinstate two of the staff. However, the company is still refusing to recognise the union.