Reports round-up

TransPennine train cleaners strike back

Cleaners, security staff and train dispatchers working on First TransPennine Express struck for 24 hours on Friday of last week.

The RMT union members walked out after bosses refused to improve their pay offer. Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services offered the workers a below inflation pay rise—a pay cut in reality.

Workers are also taking part in a two-week overtime and rest day work ban. This strike follows another successful strike day last month.

London Met students banned

London Metropolitan University is to lose its licence to teach overseas students. UK Border Agency inspectors reportedly claim that students studied at London Met without valid visas.

The move will hit thousands of students including many who are already enrolled. Unions should campaign urgently to defend international students alongside their battle against privatisation and cuts.

Surrey bus drivers force better offer

Bus drivers at Abellio in Surrey have reached an agreement with bosses over pay. The workers, who are members of the Unite union, struck two weeks ago. The union initially demanded a 4 percent pay rise. Workers have now voted to accept a rise of 2.37 percent.

One driver told Socialist Worker, “Drivers have seen the success of strike action, and are already saying that the next pay rise had better be above inflation.”

Bombardier staff vote for strikes

Some 165 rail maintenance workers have voted to strike at Bombardier. Bosses are offering a below inflation pay increase of 2.5 percent.

The workers, who are members of the Unite union, service trains for Virgin’s west coast line and for Arriva’s cross-country services.

They are mostly based in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire. Some 81 percent voted to strike and 94 percent voted for action short of a strike.

Severn bridge strike suspended

The Unite union has suspended a planned strike of toll booth workers on the two Severn bridges.

Around 70 workers were set to strike for 24 hours from Friday of last week against the Severn River Crossing company’s attempt to impose shift changes. Unite says it has reached an agreement with the company.

Next date for Essex FBU in cuts fight

Firefighters in Essex are set to strike for four hours on Wednesday of next week as part of their battle over job losses.

It is the latest in a series of strikes by the FBU members, including a 24-hour strike and march in July. The firefighters are planning to walk out from 9am to 1pm.