London Bus Drivers Commence Strike Action
Commuters in London are facing significant disruption as bus drivers and other staff have initiated a series of strikes in a dispute over pay. The industrial action, led by members of the Unite union, began on Friday morning, November 15, 2025, and is set to continue with further walkouts in the coming days.
Which Bus Routes Are Affected?
The strike impacts seven specific Transport for London (TfL) routes operated by London Transit, a subsidiary of First Bus, from its Westbourne Park garage. Travellers in west, north west, and south west London should expect little to no service on the following routes:
- Route 13
- Route 23
- Route 31
- Route N31
- Route 218
- Route 295
- Route 452
Strike Schedule and Company Response
The walkouts are scheduled across three distinct periods. The first strike started at 5am on Friday, November 15, and concluded at 5am on Saturday, November 16. A second, longer strike is planned to begin at 5am on Monday, November 17, and last until 5am on Wednesday, November 19. A final 72-hour strike is due to run from Wednesday, November 26, until 5am on Saturday, November 29.
At the heart of the dispute is a pay offer from First Bus. Unite argues the offer is 'below inflation' and fails to recognise the contributions of its workers. More than 350 London Transit workers, including drivers, engineers, and store staff, have rejected the proposal.
Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, strongly criticised the company, stating, 'This is disgraceful behaviour from a company making millions from London bus passengers.' She affirmed the union's full support for its members.
In response, a First Bus London spokesperson told the Evening Standard that their offer was, in fact, above inflation and included back pay. The company expressed disappointment that talks had broken down and urged Unite to re-engage in discussions to end the disruption for passengers and the loss of earnings for employees.
This is not the first industrial action of its kind; workers from this firm and its sister company, London United, have been involved in similar disputes earlier this year.
