More than 1,500 bus drivers from eight garages in London are set to go on strike in a dispute over working conditions, affecting 42 routes across north London and Essex. Members of Unite employed by Arriva North London will walk out on 26 dates from August to October, following a row over conditions in hot weather this summer.
Why are drivers striking?
The dispute centres on conditions inside buses, with Unite announcing the strike to ensure all are fitted with effective air conditioning. Many buses have reached unbearable temperatures for passengers and drivers during 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.
Many London bus drivers staged a rally outside Transport for London's Palestra offices in Southwark on Thursday, August 6, regarding the conditions. One driver named Jason told the BBC that "life is not good". He said: "There's the toilet dignity issue which means that on certain routes there are no toilets or the toilets are of extremely poor quality. Driving in the summer is stifling. It's horrible. We have thermometers in the cab and it's got to over 40 degrees. It's impossible driving in that temperature."
Toni, another bus driver, added: "I think if passengers knew the reality of the bus driver's life, they'd be actually very frightened. I regularly feel so fatigued that I would feel slightly nauseous."
Which routes are affected?
There are 42 routes facing little or no service during the strike days. They are: 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6, N19, N29, N41 and N279.
Disruption is concentrated in areas serving north and east London, including Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. Services may be delayed or cancelled during strike days, and some planned dates coincide with closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.
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."
A Unite spokesperson told The Standard: "We would expect a lot of severe disruption, cancellations and delays as there's so many drivers and garages involved."
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."
