Dozens of bus services could be crippled during Notting Hill Carnival as thousands of staff consider striking over pay.
Nearly 2,000 drivers, engineers and controllers in west London are being balloted on strike action on the August Bank Holiday Monday, the Unite union has confirmed.
Union members working for London United Busways and London Transit have claimed that parent company First Bus is trying to deny them hundreds of pounds of back pay after it purchased fellow bus company RATP earlier this year.
It is understood that staff have been left furious that not all elements of their new pay offer have been backdated to their pay anniversary in December.
London United have also been accused of attempting to change the pay anniversary of some workers and refusing to reinstate shift work premiums for others.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is underhand and disgraceful behaviour from a company making millions off London bus passengers.
“To try and refuse to pay money owed since December shows an utter lack of respect for its workers and the hard work they do day in, day out."Our members won't stand for such behaviour and Unite will back them all the way in this dispute with a company that has a history of anti-worker behaviour.”
London United and sister company London Transit operate from eight depots across west and south-west London.
The companies operate around 90 routes, including many into central London, and have depots in locations such as Park Royal, Shepherd's Bush and Westbourne Park.
The ballot for strike action opened on Wednesday and will close on August 11.
Unite regional officer Callum Rochford added: “Our members do an incredibly difficult job - whether it's driving buses in rush hour in London, keeping buses running or managing routes and timetables.
“Yet their employer is trying to deny hundreds of pounds of back pay and mess around with their anniversary dates in a cheap attempt to weaken union negotiations.
“Workers can see through these tactics and won't stand for them. London United and London Transit need to come back to the table, pay what's right and end this dispute now before they ruin Carnival.”
A spokesperson for First Bus London said: “We’re disappointed that Unite has chosen to ballot some employees for industrial action rather than engage in constructive negotiations. Our above inflation pay offer reflects the value we put on colleagues and demonstrates our commitment to protecting staff from the rising cost of living - even in the challenging financial environment we operate in.
“We remain open to having constructive discussions at any time and urge Unite to come to the table so we can reach a fair resolution for our colleagues and the Londoners we serve.”
