Parts of North, East and Central London will experience severe transport disruption during strike days
Passengers who rely on 42 London bus routes face major disruption until the end of October due to strike action. More than 1,500 drivers working across eight garages will walkout for 26 days in total over allegedly “unacceptable” heatwave conditions.
The first 24-hour strike will be held on Friday, August 14 with frequent walkouts taking place until Tuesday, October 20. 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.
Drivers are demanding 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.
The 42 London bus routes facing little to no service during the strike days are: 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4. W6, N19, N29, N41 and N279.
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.”
A Transport for London spokesperson said: “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.”
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