More than 1,500 bus drivers in north London resumed strike action on Tuesday over sweltering conditions in their cabs during recent heatwaves. The walkouts had been suspended last week for negotiations, but Unite members rejected an offer from operator Arriva, arguing it did “not go far enough to solve the problems of hot weather working”.
Strike timings and affected routes
The latest strike began at 4am on Tuesday and is due to continue until 4.30am on Friday. Further strikes are planned over the coming months, with some set to coincide with planned closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.
Drivers at the Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green garages are taking part in the latest round of strikes, having previously walked out on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15. The last industrial action led to delays and cancellations for more than 40 bus routes in the capital, and the same routes are due to be affected by the latest strike.
Cab temperatures and union response
Drivers have argued that temperatures in their cabs can reach a sweltering 40C, putting them at risk of fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. Unite said most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems rather than air conditioning, which only managed to reduce temperatures by around two or three degrees during the recent series of heatwaves.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “London bus drivers do a vital job, but are putting themselves at risk due to these appalling conditions. Arriva can fully afford to make meaningful changes our members can accept. Until that happens, strike action will continue and our members at Arriva North London will continue to have the full backing of Unite.”
Further walkout dates and Arriva response
The remaining walkout dates are: August 25 to 28; September 4 to 5, 7 to 8, 18 to 19, and 21 to 22; and October 2 to 3, 5 to 6, 16 to 17, and 19 to 20.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said: “There is still time for Arriva to stop this disruptive action, but it relies on it coming back to the table with a deal our members believe will solve the serious problems with conditions once and for all.”
Arriva has said the wellbeing of its staff and customers is its “top priority”, adding it has added extra welfare checks and cooling breaks during hot weather and is collaborating with Transport for London to roll out upgraded air conditioning on newer fleet buses.
