Widespread Bus Disruption for London Commuters
Commuters across the capital are facing significant travel disruption as bus workers prepare for a series of strikes throughout November 2025. The industrial action involves more than 350 drivers, engineers, and store workers based at the Westbourne Park garage in west London.
This escalation follows an unresolved pay dispute that initially led to walkouts back in September. With staff rejecting a pay offer described as 'below inflation', passengers are advised to prepare for severe service reductions on several key routes.
Strike Dates and Affected Routes
The strikes will occur during two separate periods in late November. The first 48-hour walkout begins at 5am on Monday, November 17 and continues until 5am on Wednesday, November 19.
A second, longer strike period follows, starting at 5am on Wednesday, November 26 and concluding at 5am on Saturday, November 29.
Transport for London has warned that seven bus routes will experience major disruption, with 'little to no service' expected during strike action. The affected routes are:
- Route 13: North Finchley to Victoria Station
- Route 23: Serving Notting Hill and Soho
- Route 31: Between Shepherd's Bush and Camden
- Route N31: Night service
- Route 218
- Route 295
- Route 452
Areas including Camden, Shepherd's Bush, Notting Hill, and Soho will be particularly impacted, with TfL advising that other local routes may become busier than usual.
Pay Dispute Behind the Industrial Action
The strikes result from an ongoing dispute between staff and management at London Transit, a subsidiary of First Bus London. Unite union, representing the workers, has strongly criticised the company's pay offer.
Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, stated: 'This is disgraceful behaviour from a company making millions from London bus passengers. It shows an utter disregard for its workers and the hard work they do day in, day out.'
She emphasised the union's full support for members, noting the company's 'history of anti-worker behaviour'.
In response, a spokesperson for First Bus London expressed disappointment, claiming they had made 'continued efforts to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, including an above-inflation pay offer with full back pay for all employees.'
The company has urged Unite to return to negotiations to 'reach a resolution and end the ongoing disruption', which causes inconvenience for passengers and financial loss for striking employees.
With no immediate resolution in sight, Londoners are advised to check TfL journey planners regularly and consider alternative transport options during the strike periods.
