London bus workers "could strike" for Olympics pay
Posted: Friday 16 December 2011
BBC news reported that bus workers in London have demanded a £500 payment for being on duty during next year's Olympic Games.
Unite, the trade union, has written to bus operators on behalf of up to 28,000 employees, raising the threat of industrial action if a deal is not agreed.
The high-profile coverage of this debate has caused concern for a number of employees and raised questions surrounding workers' entitlements during the Olympic Games.
The head of Morton Fraser's Employment team, Innes Clark, clarifies the situation:
"From a legal perspective the employees have no right to any additional bonus payment. It is not clear at this stage whether the bus workers are being asked to do work over and above their normal hours of work and duties, in which case an additional payment might well be justifiable.
If they are merely being asked to do their usual job then it would appear that the unions are attempting to flex their muscles by using the Olympic Games as an opportunity to get additional pay for their members based merely on the fact that extra revenue will be generated by the Olympics."
If you would like advice specific to your employment or business you can speak to our Employment team for guidance. Contact Innes Clark by emailing innes.clark@morton-fraser.com or by calling 0131 247 1181.
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