14 Sept 2010

Drivers protest in Byfleet

A day of protests outside Byfleet bus station is taking place today. Bus drivers are demonstrating against their management company Abellio for a number of reasons.
Firstly - they're angry after a number of dismissals in the last few months. We understand 7 drivers were sacked for alleged irregularities with ticketing. The drivers say their colleagues were dismissed unfairly, and without a proper disciplinary hearing, or the right to cross examine the witnesses.
The drivers are also dismayed with their working environment - They say their depot in Byfleet is not fit for purpose - and they say the buses are run down too. They're claiming the money that is made in Surrey is pumped away and invested into services in London.
Passengers are being reassured that this is not a strike - and their services should remain unaffected. However, union members have not ruled out strike action in the future.

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