GLC hope for new LT deal
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
SPEAKING at a joint meeting of the Greater London Council's transport, policy and resources committees Dame Evelyn Denington gave some hopes that London Transport will bring in a £40m a year pay deal at the end of this month.
The need for recruits in LT has become urgent. There is a 22 per cent current shortage of London Transport bus staff and a 10 per cent undermanning in the Underground. Discussions on a ninepoint plan to improve London Transport pay and conditions are taking place with the unions, and it is hoped that agreement can be reached in time to start by the end of the month, said Dame Evelyn. The windingup of the Pay Board at the end of July would allow London Transport to bring in the scheme, and the GLC would give full backing.
The pay programme, which also includes better pensions. holidays, and staff housing and mortgage arrangements will complicate the financial problems facing London Transport.
If fares are not increased, the deficit of London Transport will, it is forecast, climb to E I 67m, forcing a five-fold increase in the rate subsidy from the present 2p to 10p in the financial year 1977/ 78.
The possibility of introducing a flat fare system was discussed at the meeting and the committee agreed that a survey should be carried out in the winter to find out what commuters in the London area want.
The meeting agreed that routes common to both London Transport and London Country Bus Services should be investigated with a view to granting a subsidy to London Country Bus Services in this jointly operated sector.