London bus drivers to strike for 26 days over heatwave working conditions

Bus journeys face “huge disruption” this summer as more than 1,500 London drivers strike over poor working conditions in hot weather.

Members of the Unite union employed by Arriva North London are set to walk out on 26 dates in August, September and October, starting next week.

In a statement, the union said that drivers have experienced health problems from driving in hot weather, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.

Drivers from eight bus garages – Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green – are involved in the dispute.

Unite claims that Arriva North London has “failed to act” on driver complaints about working conditions during periods of hot weather.

The union says that most Arriva buses operate with air cooling systems rather than air conditioning, leaving drivers exposed to extreme temperatures during the recent series of heatwaves.

Planned strikes in August and September will coincide with closures on the Piccadilly line, with significant delays and cancellations expected.

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.”

The union added that it had provided drivers with an official letter to show their employer when conditions in drivers’ cabs become too hot, informing the company that the driver is stopping work for safety reasons.

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson told The Standard: “Strike action is expected to impact local bus routes in north and some central London areas, however, the majority of London’s bus network will still operate as planned on these days.

“Some bus routes may be busier than normal. We encourage customers who are affected to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app. We encourage both parties to find a solution to this dispute and we’re sorry for any disruption to people’s journeys.”

The Independent has contacted TfL for comment.

London bus strike dates

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