Luton Arriva bus engineers vote to strike over sexual harassment allegations
Workers say reports of unwanted touching were brushed off and not properly dealt with
Engineers at Arriva buses in Luton have voted for strike action in response to the company's handling of serious allegations of sexual harassment and assault within the workplace.
The decision to strike also encompasses support for a union shop steward who was suspended after advocating for the issues to be taken seriously, which workers believe was in retaliation for challenging the company's dismissal of the allegations.
The individual involved in the allegations, who held a managerial position, is no longer employed following police involvement.
However, workers remain frustrated with Arriva's previous dismissals of the incidents as mere "banter" or "horseplay" and their inadequate support for those affected.
Reports from multiple employees, including young apprentices, allege experiences of unwanted touching, squeezing, kicking, and striking in sensitive areas, alongside exposure to simulated sexual acts, offensive remarks, and workplace intimidation.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticised the company's conduct, stating, “The way Arriva has handled this dreadful situation is beyond despicable. Arriva needs to address these workers’ concerns and reinstate our shop steward immediately.
“Unite is backing our members all the way. We will use every tool at our disposal and will not rest until Arriva rights these wrongs.”
The shop steward's suspension occurred shortly after the managerial employee left the company, escalating tensions among the workers.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge says, “Arriva has totally failed these workers from start to finish.
“Unite will not tolerate employers trying to brush such incredibly serious issues under the carpet or attacks on our reps.
"This dispute will continue to escalate until Arriva can regain its workers’ trust and brings our shop steward back to work.”
"We take matters of this nature extremely seriously"
A spokesperson for Arriva addressed the situation, stating, "The matter that Unite refer to is now a Police matter and we are therefore unable to comment further other than to confirm that the accused individual is no longer in our employment.
"We take matters of this nature extremely seriously and employees are encouraged to raise any concerns and avenues are provided for this to happen.
"Should any situations arise appropriate management intervention is deployed, and support is offered and provided to employees.
"To suggest that this is an attack on a trade union representative is without foundation. The representative is currently not in the business due to unrelated matters, and we strongly refute any suggestion that it is in response to his involvement in raising what is now a police matter.”
Strike dates are expected to be announced soon, and the scope of industrial action may increase if the dispute remains unresolved.