Drivers claim Arriva has failed to act on complaints raised by drivers
There could be a major disruption to London’s bus services over a potential driver strike over “unbearable” heatwave conditions. Drivers say many of their buses have broken air conditioning or faulty cooling systems, and claim that this has caused temperatures to reach 50C inside their cabs on hot days.
After the mercury climbed into the early and mid 30Cs for five consistent days last week, some 1,900 Arriva drivers could walk out across 10 North and East London garages. Unite the union claims the company has failed to act on complaints raised by drivers in recent weeks.
Most Arriva buses have air-conditioning systems that draws in air from outside and circulates it within the cab. Unite claims this has little impact on cooling the cab down, and says air conditioning is needed to ensure long shifts don’t become “unbearable” for drivers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bus drivers have suffered in these scorching temperatures for long enough, and the situation is getting worse. Arriva must stop putting profits before people and invest in much better systems to keep buses cool. Our members there have Unite’s full support in their fight for decent working conditions.”
Drivers from Barking, Clapton, Dartford, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green are being balloted about joining the strike action. This ballot will open on July 1 and continue until July 29.
Unite has warned that any strike action will lead to severe delays and cancellations.
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.
“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.”
A spokesperson for Arriva London said: “We’re aware that Unite plans to ballot its members about industrial action. “We will continue to work with Unite and try our best to find a resolution.”
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