Strikes will take place across August, September and October
More than 1,500 London bus drivers across eight garages are set to strike over “unacceptable” heatwave conditions. Drivers who work for Arriva North London are being made to endure temperatures of 40C and higher due to air cooling systems that are not fit for purpose, Unite the union said.
Union officials have announced 26 days of walkouts in a bid to ensure all buses are fitted with effective air conditioning. Current systems only blow in outside air, leading drivers to compare their cabs to “greenhouses” when the temperature is the same or even higher than outside.
This has led to many fearing for their own safety, and the safety of passengers and pedestrians, due to the risk of fatigue increasing the number of crashes. Drivers based at garages in Barking, Edmonton, Enfield and Grays will be involved in the strike, along with Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.
Full list of strike dates
Unite have confirmed the following strike dates. Many of these dates in August and September coincide with closures of the Piccadilly line while new trains are being tested to maximise disruption across North London.
- Friday August 14 – Saturday August 15
- Tuesday August 18 – Friday, August 21
- Tuesday, August 25 – Friday, August 28
- Friday, September 4 – Saturday, September 5
- Monday, September 7 – Tuesday, September 8
- Friday, September 18 – Saturday, September 19
- Monday, September 21 – Tuesday, September 22
- Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 3
- Monday, October 5 – Tuesday, October 6
- Friday, October 16 – Saturday, October 17
- Monday, October 19 – Tuesday, October 20
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.”
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
