A 48 hour strike called by the RMT on the Docklands Light Railway is likely to see no services at all run between 0400 on Wednesday 28th March and 0359 on Friday 30th March. The dispute is between members of the RMT and operators of the DLR, KeolisAmey Docklands with the union claiming that the company are continuing to treat their members “like dirt”.
It is planned that a fleet of 49 buses will be used to enhance services which operate on key routes along the DLR network but passengers are being advised that their journey is likely to take longer and that they should check before travelling.
Mark Davis, TfL Interim General Manager of the DLR, said: “If the strike goes ahead, KeolisAmey Docklands predict that it is unlikely that any DLR services will run. Our bus, Tube and rail services will be operating as normal, and we will be running extra buses on key routes to help keep London moving. We will have TfL Travel Ambassadors on hand at key locations to provide travel information and advice to customers and staff. Our services, particularly in east London, are expected to be very busy and we thank everyone for their patience while the strike action takes place. Customers are advised to use our website to plan ahead. We urge the RMT and KeolisAmey Docklands to continue with discussions in order to settle the dispute.”
The chances of an end to this dispute ahead of the strike dates look remote with talks at ACAS last week ending without an agreement. The RMT – who described the results of the ballot calling on strike action as “magnificient” – claim that they recognise the impact the strike will have on the travelling public but also lay all the responsibility on this at KeolisAmey Docklands. At the end of the day whoever’s fault it is those who will suffer are those who just want to go about their usual daily routine which always seems to be forgotten by both sides in disputes such as this.