DIAL-A-RIDE workers will begin a second series of strikes today after attempts to resolve their dispute with management failed.

The 120 workers, who provide specialist transport for elderly and vulnerable people and those with disabilities on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), have been forced into strike action over the withdrawal of rest days and imposition of new rosters.

The workforce have said that plans to remove 10 rest days a year and impose “impossible” rosters risks “turning them into robots.”

The proposals have caused such stress and anxiety among staff that many have contacted the TfL emergency helpline for support.

A further 24-hour stoppage on Thursday will follow today’s 24-hour strike.

Workers took 48 hours of strike action in late March. Despite further talks with conciliation service Acas, progress to resolve the dispute has not been made.

Unite regional officer Hugh Roberts said workers’ hopes of a resolution had been “scuppered by a high-handed management that has been unable or unwilling to listen to reason.”

He said the proposed changes would “endanger the safety of our members and Dial-a-Ride users as drivers will not have sufficient time to recover between shifts.”

He added: “The management’s changes to rest days and rosters are causing the dedicated workforce huge stress and anxiety.

“Members realise how many people are reliant on Dial-a-Ride to maintain their independence and do not take strike action lightly, but, despite extensive negotiations, management has refused to modify proposals and see reason.”