Passengers will face filthy trains as cleaners on the Docklands Light Railway are set to strike on New Year’s Eve in a dispute over sick pay, rail union RMT has said today.
RMT members employed by contractor Bidvest Noonan will mount picket lines from 6am Wednesday, December 31 through to Thursday, January 1.
It follows earlier strike action in late November and early December.
The rail union claims the company has only offered one week’s full sick pay for certain serious or terminal diagnoses, which RMT has branded an insult to its members.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Bidvest Noonan have behaved appallingly and are continuing to fail in making any acceptable offer on company sick pay.
“Cleaning staff on the DLR do a vital job keeping London’s transport network safe, clean, and presentable.
“Passengers face filthy trains during New Years celebrations and the responsibility for that lies squarely at the feet of Bidvest Noonan.
“Transport for London, which oversees outsourcing contracts, must bring these services back in house, and pay workers proper sick pay, if we are to avoid these kinds of disruptions in 2026.”
