London Bus Strike

2,500 bus operators at First Group in London, UK went on strike for one day August 29 rejecting pay increases less than the rate of inflation. The members of Unite union promise a two day strike September 12 unless an agreement is reached. Bus operators at other London companies are also taking strike votes over wage parity. The difference in pay for the same jobs can be as much as L6,000 per year (about $11,000 U.S.). London Transport was sold off to dozens of private companies in 1984. The London Underground (or Tube) was turned over to a public/private partnership in 2003. Both moves have been the subject of a fierce debate in London over quality of service and cost.