New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
5 July 2012

Is Boris Johnson the worst negotiator ever?

Negotiating 101.

By Alex Hern

The Guardian, 22 June:

A 24-hour London bus strike has begun following the collapse of peace talks in a dispute over Olympics payments. The walkout by thousands of members of Unite at 17 bus companies in pursuit of a £500 payment for working during the Games will hit most parts of London, disrupting travel for commuters and tourists.

A second strike was planned for today, but was called off based on a new deal offered by TfL.

BBC News, today:

The deal on offer is now £583 for every bus worker, or £700 for bus drivers at depots badly affected by the Games. . . But the more interesting part of the offer is the split of the extra fare revenue generated during the Games.

Unions: We’ll strike unless you pay us £500!

TfL: We couldn’t possible pay you more than £583, plus part of the revenue, and a higher bonus for some of you.

Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month

Unions: …OK?

Content from our partners
Wayne Robertson: "The science is clear on the need for carbon capture"
An old Rioja, a simple Claret,and a Burgundy far too nice to put in risotto
Antimicrobial Resistance: Why urgent action is needed