More than 1,500 bus drivers across eight garages are set to strike in a dispute over working conditions during hot weather.
Members of Unite employed by Arriva North London will walk out on several dates between mid-August and October, with major disruption expected to bus services across north London and parts of Essex.
Unbearable temperatures
The union says most Arriva North London buses are fitted with air cooling systems rather than air conditioning, leaving drivers exposed to unbearable temperatures during periods of extreme heat.
Unite claims some drivers have worked in cab temperatures exceeding 40C, resulting in cases of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. While drivers have been told they can take breaks when needed, many feel under pressure to keep services running for the sake of passengers.
Dispute details
The dispute comes as London experiences another summer of high temperatures, with heatwaves placing pressure on the capital's ageing transport infrastructure. Unite is calling on Arriva to improve working conditions to better protect drivers during extreme heat.
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."
Affected areas and dates
Exact bus routes affected have not been released by the union. Drivers involved in the dispute are based at the following stations where disruption is likely: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green.
Strike dates are: August 14-15, 18-21, 25-28; September 4-5, 7-8, 18-19, 21-22; October 2-3, 5-6, 16-17, 19-20. Services may be delayed or cancelled during strike days and some planned dates coincide with closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.
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."
Transport for London has been contacted for comment.
