More than 1,500 London bus drivers across eight garages are set to walk out over "unacceptable" heatwave conditions, with 26 days of strike action planned from August through October. The drivers, employed by Arriva North London, say they are forced to work in temperatures reaching 40C or higher because the air cooling systems on their buses are not fit for purpose, according to Unite the union.
Union Demands and Driver Safety Concerns
Unite officials have announced the walkouts to pressure Arriva into fitting all buses with effective air conditioning. Current systems only blow in outside air, leading drivers to compare their cabs to "greenhouses" when the temperature inside is the same or even higher than outside. This has sparked fears for the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike, as fatigue increases the risk of crashes.
The strike will involve drivers based at garages in Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. These locations cover a significant portion of North London's bus network, potentially disrupting commuters across the region.
Full List of Strike Dates
Unite has 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, maximising 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
Union Leadership Criticises Arriva
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 once and for all. It must take this seriously and enter talks with Unite."
Impact on London Commuters
The strikes are expected to cause significant disruption for bus users across North London, particularly on dates when the Piccadilly line is also closed. Passengers are advised to check alternative travel options during the strike periods. The action highlights broader concerns about working conditions in extreme heat, as climate change leads to more frequent heatwaves in the UK.
