A decision is expected on whether bus drivers in London will go on strike after demanding air conditioning is fitted to cope with heatwaves. Bus drivers working across 10 Arriva North London depots organised a ballot last month, with the poll set to close on July 29.
When a strike action ballot ends, the union will count the votes and confirm whether the threshold has been met for action, which could leave disruption across North London. A staggering 1,900 drivers are expected to be involved, with complainants claiming that the bus firm failed to act on complaints about working conditions.
Union demands action on heat
According to the Unite union, bus drivers have been working in hot weather, with temperatures well into the high 30s in the previous heatwaves this summer. Unite claimed that the issue has been raised with Arriva North London in previous years, but action has yet to be taken.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Bus drivers have suffered in these scorching temperatures for long enough and the situation is getting worse. Arriva must stop putting profits before people and invest in much better systems to keep buses cool. Our members there have Unite’s full support in their fight for decent working conditions."
Mayor weighs in
Last month, London Mayor Sadiq Khan admitted he doesn’t want any bus driver to work in conditions that are considered “unacceptable” in London in 2026. Speaking directly to operators, Mr Khan said that if a cabin is too hot, bus drivers must not be behind the wheel.
Drivers are calling for major improvements to buses, including the installation of air conditioning units. Unite stressed that most Arriva North London buses have air cooling systems rather than full air conditioning units. Bus drivers have said that temperatures have only reduced by just two or three degrees with the air cooling system activated.
Safety concerns raised
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said: "Arriva has failed to provide our members with a safe and comfortable working environment during the hot weather. This is putting bus drivers and passengers at risk and our members believe they have no choice but to ballot for industrial action."
He added: "We recognise that those who use these bus services may be frustrated to hear this news, but this is a serious safety issue. It is on Arriva to create a safer environment, not just for our members but the general public and it must do this immediately or face disruption."
Express.co.uk has contacted Arriva for comment.
