Luton bus staff go on strike from today over sexual harassment claims
Workers say the company failed to act on claims of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace
Arriva bus engineers in Luton are starting a week-long strike action from today, claiming the company did failed to act on allegations of serious sexual harassment and assault within the workplace.
The strikes will occur from 27th April to 1st May, with more future dates set between 11th May to 15th May, and 25th May to 29th May.
Arriva says it will “minimise any impact” on customers and bus services during the strike period.
Unite Union says the strike “will intensify if the dispute is not resolved”, significantly impacting Arriva’s operations in Luton and surrounding areas.
In addition to addressing the harassment claims, workers are also striking in support of a Unite union representative they believe was dismissed in retaliation after challenging the company's handling of these issues.
Arriva says, “any claim the dismissal of a former employee was in retaliation to their involvement in raising what is now a police matter, is wholly inaccurate.”
The individual at the root of the allegations, formerly in a managerial role, is no longer with the company following police involvement, workers say they are frustrated with Arriva's prior dismissal of the complaints as "banter" and "horseplay."
It is alleged that multiple workers, including young apprentices, have experienced harassment involving unwanted touching, and exposure to simulated sexual acts alongside offensive remarks.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Arriva’s handling of this dreadful situation is despicable – it brings shame on the entire company. The concerns of these workers need to be addressed and our shop steward – fired for speaking out – must be reinstated.”
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge added, “Arriva is entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused to services. Not only has it tried to brush these incredibly serious matters under the carpet, it has fired a workplace rep for trying to prevent it from doing so.
“Strikes will continue to worsen until Arriva rights these wrongs.”
A spokesperson for Arriva said: "We are disappointed members of our Luton Engineering Team are planning to take industrial action later this month.
“Arriva takes matters of this nature extremely seriously, and employees are encouraged to raise any concerns through the avenues provided. Should any situations arise, appropriate management intervention is deployed, and support is offered and provided to employees.”