Industrial action is set to intensify across East London's bus network as drivers announce plans for strikes over what they describe as gruelling working conditions. The dispute centres on allegations of insufficient rest breaks and demanding shift schedules that leave operators feeling "exhausted" and concerned for safety.
Dispute Over Driver Conditions Escalates
More than 300 drivers employed by the East London Bus & Coach Company are poised to join strike action, organised by the Unite union. The core grievances include a perceived lack of adequate breaks during shifts and a requirement to start new duties with only a ten-hour gap between finishing the previous one. Union representatives argue that many bus routes in the area can take up to ninety minutes to complete, with drivers expected to undertake multiple journeys daily without proper respite.
Additional Workload from New Procedures
Compounding the issue, Stagecoach, the parent company of East London Bus & Coach Company, has introduced a new policy requiring drivers to refuel buses using remote electric charge points. This additional task is said to increase work demands, contributing further to driver fatigue and dissatisfaction.
Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating: "Bus driver fatigue is a major issue for our members, not just in terms of their own safety but passenger safety too. Unite will not stand for workers enduring poor conditions that lead to fatigue and place them and their passengers in danger. Our members will have our full support throughout this dispute."
Routes Affected by Potential Strike Action
If the strike proceeds, it will severely impact several vital bus services in East London. The affected routes include:
- The number 8 service from Bow Church to Tottenham Court Road
- The 25 route running from Ilford to Holborn Circus
- The 205 service connecting Bow Church to the Selfridges department store near Mayfair
- The 45 route from Clapton to Ilford
Night bus services will also be disrupted, specifically the N8 from Oxford Circus to Hainault, the N25 from Oxford Circus to Ilford, and the N205 between Paddington Station and Leyton Station. The strike ballot among Unite members at the Bow garage concludes on February 11, and if approved, these routes could experience little or no service during the action.
Wider Industrial Unrest in the Region
This latest dispute emerges just a week after 350 drivers based at the Lea Interchange depot in Leyton announced four strike dates in February. Those drivers are protesting over allegations of union busting and bullying by Stagecoach management. Unite claims members have faced aggressive behaviour, including unfair dismissals and suspensions on what they describe as "trumped-up charges".
Stagecoach has previously denied these allegations, stating it "utterly refutes" the claims made against its management. The strikes at Lea Interchange are scheduled for February 6-7 and February 20-21, with passengers in Leyton, Leytonstone, and Walthamstow expected to bear the brunt of the disruption, along with routes serving Stratford and Newham Hospital.
The escalating industrial action highlights growing tensions within London's transport sector over working conditions and safety concerns, potentially leading to significant travel upheaval for commuters in the coming weeks.
