DLR Cleaning Staff to Strike on New Year’s Eve Over Pay and Conditions

Cleaning staff on the Docklands Light Railway are set to strike on New Year’s Eve, after their employer failed to engage with union representatives following previous industrial action. The dispute affects workers employed by Bidvest Noonan, who plan to picket from Wednesday 31 December 2025 through Thursday 1 January 2026.

This latest action follows earlier strikes in late November and early December and centres on concerns over low pay and poor working conditions, including the company’s refusal to provide company sick pay.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey placed responsibility for the disruption on both the contractor and the broader management of the DLR.

He said:

“Bidvest Noonan has made no attempt to engage with us since the last round of strike action and that is disgraceful. Our members have been clear that they are prepared to take further action to secure fair pay, decent conditions and company sick pay. They will not be intimidated by this appalling and arrogant management attitude."

Dempsey added that serious negotiations must take place if further disruption is to be avoided, calling on Bidvest Noonan to return to talks with a meaningful offer.