Seven East London bus routes have been disrupted by strikes for the fourth time in 2026, as more than 300 drivers at the Bow bus garage walk out in an ongoing dispute over scheduling and fatigue. The industrial action began on Wednesday, May 27, and is set to continue until Friday, May 29, with further strikes scheduled from Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, June 14.
Union Claims Stagecoach Ignoring Fatigue Concerns
Unite the union alleges that East London Bus & Coach Company, a subsidiary of Stagecoach, is forcing drivers to complete multiple 90-minute journeys without adequate breaks. The union also claims that drivers are often scheduled for their next shift just 10 hours after finishing the previous one, and that the company refuses to provide meal relief breaks at the depot, leaving drivers without a suitable area to rest.
"Our members are raising legitimate concerns with Stagecoach about fatigue, which is not only putting them at risk but the general public too – yet they are being ignored," said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. "It is high time Stagecoach treats this problem with the seriousness it deserves, rather than pushing forward with these dangerous rotas. Our members at Stagecoach have our full support."
Affected Bus Routes
The following seven routes are impacted: 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25, and N205. Routes 25 and 425 are expected to run a near-normal service for most of the day, while the others are likely to face severe delays and cancellations.
Previous strikes in March, April, and early May caused widespread disruption on routes serving Central London and the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford. Unite accuses Stagecoach of "strike breaking activity" by bringing in drivers from other parts of the UK to limit disruption.
"Instead of listening to our members at Bow bus garage, Stagecoach has instead chosen to attempt to break the strike," said Unite regional officer John Murphy. "Despite this, drivers remain united on the picket line and determined to win the fight for better conditions."
Stagecoach Response
A Stagecoach spokesperson stated that "schedules, driver duties and rotas are compiled strictly within the law" and are "comfortably within agreed" limits, despite recent route changes. The company said it has held "detailed discussions" with Unite for "many months" and remains open to further talks to resolve concerns.
"There is no reason for any driver to work fatigued as they are encouraged to say if they are not safe to drive before and during all duties and are not financially penalised if they do so," the spokesperson added.
