Fresh chaos for commuters as London Overground staff set to stage walkout

Staff on London Overground are to stage a fresh strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union working as travel safe officers will walk out for 24 hours on May 16 following a stoppage earlier this month.

The workers, employed by STM Security, are planning other forms of industrial action short of a strike, saying they face a pay freeze.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘Travel safe officers offer security for passengers and staff against a background of increasing anti-social and violent behaviour on the railways.

‘Despite previous rock-solid strike action, the company still refuse to listen and have left us with no option but to confirm a further phase.

‘Our members do an important job on London Overground and deserve to be paid properly for the work that they do.

‘A pay freeze for workers on a low wage is an insult and represents a pay cut in real terms.’

London Overground operator Arriva said: ‘The industrial dispute it is a matter between the RMT union and STM Security, which supplies travel safe officers on the London Overground.

‘STM has taken steps to put a comprehensive plan in place to minimise impact on customers travelling on London Overground services and to maintain high levels of safety and security.’

An STM spokesman said: ‘STM are disappointed in the action taken.

‘We remain willing to work with all parties to resolve this dispute. We have made ourselves available for further discussions with the RMT.’