More than 1,500 bus drivers from eight garages in London will strike in a dispute over working conditions. Members of Unite employed by Arriva North London are set to walk out on 26 dates from August to October, with services across north London and Essex affected.
Why are the drivers striking?
The dispute centres on conditions inside buses, with Unite announcing the strike in a bid to ensure all are fitted with effective air conditioning. Many buses have reached unbearable temperatures for passengers and drivers during the recent heatwaves, with most fitted with air cooling rather than more effective air conditioning systems. These systems only blow in outside air, leaving drivers exposed to temperatures of 40C, with some comparing their cabs to "greenhouses".
Some drivers have said they feared for their own safety, and have experienced heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration this summer, according to Unite. While drivers have been told they can take breaks when needed, many feel under pressure to keep services running for the sake of passengers.
Which areas are affected?
While affected bus routes have not been released by the union, eight garages will be involved in the strike. Disruption is highly likely in areas served by Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. Services may be delayed or cancelled during strike days and some of the planned dates are taking place at the same time as closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.
Which dates will the strikes be taking place?
Unite has confirmed strikes for the following dates:
- Friday August 14 - Saturday August 15
- Tuesday August 18 - Friday, August 21
- Tuesday, August 25 - Friday, August 28
- Friday, September 4 - Saturday, September 5
- Monday, September 7 - Tuesday, September 8
- Friday, September 18 - Saturday, September 19
- Monday, September 21 - Tuesday, September 22
- Friday, October 2 - Saturday, October 3
- Monday, October 5 - Tuesday, October 6
- Friday, October 16 - Saturday, October 17
- Monday, October 19 - Tuesday, October 20
What have both sides said?
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Time and time again drivers have complained to Arriva North London about working in dangerous conditions but the company has failed to act which is completely unacceptable. A profitable company such as Arriva could easily invest in improving conditions for its drivers and protecting the general public but is instead prioritising greed. We will back our members all the way in this dispute."
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell added: "We know those who rely on these bus services will be dismayed to hear of industrial action, but it is entirely the fault of Arriva who has completely failed to listen to our members. Instead of engaging in bullying behaviour, Arriva could prevent this disruption by entering meaningful discussions with Unite on how to improve driver working conditions in hot weather one and for all. It must take this seriously and enter talks with Unite."
Arriva, meanwhile, has said it is investing in both short and long-term measures to help drivers, including cab upgrades and air conditioning. Wasim Mohammed, Arriva London’s managing director said: "We take the welfare of our drivers seriously, and understand the impact of this extreme weather on them. We are working closely with Transport for London to support both our colleagues and customers during these hot spells. We've introduced short-term measures to protect drivers, and we're investing in longer-term fixes, including cab air conditioning upgrades and our ongoing investment in new fleet. We remain ready to sit down with Unite at any time to discuss these important issues and find a resolution that avoids both strike action and the disruption it would cause to customers."
A spokesperson for TfL said the strike action is expected to hit local bus routes in north and some central London areas, with some routes busier than usual. They added: "We encourage both parties to find a solution to this dispute and we’re sorry for any disruption to people’s journeys."
