More than 1,500 Arriva North London bus drivers are set to go on strike over hot working conditions as the UK experiences another heatwave. The Unite union announced the industrial action on Friday and several other days, with services across north London and Essex affected.
Air cooling vs air conditioning
The strike stems from concerns about the heat on buses, which have air cooling systems rather than air conditioning. This means temperatures on those buses are only reduced a degree or two below external air temperatures, unlike more effective air conditioning units.
Unite general secretary said: "No worker should be made ill by the job and the problem is raised year after year and it can no longer be swept under the carpet."
Severe disruption expected
A Unite spokesperson warned people to expect "a lot of severe disruption, cancellations and delays". The bus drivers are set to walk out on 26 dates between August and October.
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."
Stockwell 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."
