A ‘summer of strike action’ could plague trams in Croydon due to an ongoing dispute about pay and conditions.

Commuters in Croydon are set to be disrupted by another tram strike next Thursday (May9).

For the second week running drivers will not turn up for work due to an ongoing dispute is between operator Tram Operations Limited (TOL) and the ASLEF union.

The union claims that bosses haven’t made an ‘acceptable offer’ in response to demands for a pay increase.

Next week’s strike will be the third this year (the first one took place in March).

On Thursday, May 1, more than 50 ASLEF members picketed at the depot at Coomber Way.

And even fewer trams ran than during their first strike in March.

What services will be affected?

A reduced service will run at eight-minute intervals from 7am-8pm between Wimbledon and East Croydon.

Before and after these times it will run about every 15 minutes between these stops only.

But, the first two trams of the day will, run from Therapia Lane to New Addington and back to Wimbledon.

All services will resume as normal from Friday morning.

TfL says this route was chosen as there are good bus services between New Addington and East Croydon and other trains from Beckenham Junction.

There will be extra buses at peak times but people are advised to leave more time for their journeys.

Bus and Tram passes will also be accepted on Southern services between Beckenham Junction and East Croydon via Crystal Palace.

And customers are reminded not to touch in or out when using these services and to seek assistance from station staff.

Mark Davis, TfL’s General Manager for London Trams, said: “We urge ASLEF and TOL to continue discussions and settle their dispute without further disrupting customers’ journeys with more strike action.”

What does the union have to say?

This time 127 ASLEF members were balloted and 114 returned their votes with all but one voting yes to strike action.

A spokesman said tram drivers feel “undervalued and ignored” and have concerns about pay, fatigue and new working practices.

He added: “Instead of engaging in macho posturing, FirstGroup managers, who are responsible for operating the system, should get back around the table to try to find a solution that is acceptable to the women and men who work hard to deliver the service.

“Management have to take their concerns seriously and engage with ASLEF if they want industrial relations to improve and avoid a summer of strike action.”

Another strike could take place on Thursday, May 23.

More information is available at tfl.gov.uk/tram-strike.