DLR workers vote in favour of strike action
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Your support makes all the difference.Workers on London's Docklands Light Railway have voted strongly in favour of a strike over a series of rows including jobs, pensions and working conditions, it was announced today.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said 162 of its members backed strikes, with 36 against, claiming that industrial relations had broken down at the firm.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Management at Serco Docklands continue to show total disregard for the idea of proper negotiation and consultation with this trade union on a number of issues and have also victimised and dismissed two of our colleagues.
"Our members have shown in this massive vote for action that they will not be bullied and treated with contempt.
"The industrial relations situation at Serco Docklands cannot be tolerated any longer and our members have now voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action and industrial action short of a strike.
"This ballot shows management we mean business and that we will not accept their disgraceful attitude towards their staff, and it is now up to the company to respond positively to our demands for a solution that addresses all of the issues at the heart of this dispute."
David Stretch, managing director of Serco Docklands, said "We are extremely disappointed that the RMT is calling for strike action on the DLR.
"Constructive talks have already resolved a number of issues raised by the union and there are more meetings planned.
"Our aim is to resolve the current issues before any action is taken which disrupts our passengers."
A Transport for London spokesman said: "We are disappointed to learn of this ballot result.
"We would urge the RMT leadership to get round the table with Serco and resolve any issues without any disruption to Londoners."
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