Commuters and Christmas shoppers in east London face significant travel disruption as bus drivers prepare for strike action on two key weekends. The industrial action will affect over a dozen bus routes, with the busy shopping hub of Stratford set to be particularly impacted.
Strike Dates and Affected Routes
The walk-outs are scheduled for two separate weekends: December 12 and 13, 2025, followed by January 8 and 9, 2026. The strikes involve 350 drivers employed by the Lea Interchange Bus Company, which is part of the Stagecoach group.
The following 13 bus routes, primarily serving east and northeast London, will be affected:
- 97
- 58
- 86
- 135
- 236
- 276
- 308
- 339
- 488
- D8
- W13
- W14
- 678
Cause of the Industrial Dispute
The Unite union, which represents the drivers, has called the strikes amid serious allegations against the Lea Interchange Bus Company. Unite claims the company has engaged in "union busting, bullying and aggressive behaviour", specifically alleging that union representatives are being targeted for their trade union activities.
Unite's General Secretary, Sharon Graham, stated: "Unite will never stand idly by when an employer uses union busting and bullying tactics. Management at the depot must change tack or face disruptive action. Unite members at the Lea Interchange Bus Company have the union’s full support."
Stagecoach's Response and Travel Advice
Stagecoach has issued a firm rebuttal to the union's claims. A company spokesperson said: "We utterly refute the allegations made by Unite of union busting and bullying. All employees are held to the same standards of behaviour, regardless of their role, and any allegations of misconduct are handled in line with our established policies and procedures."
The spokesperson added that it was "disappointing the situation has reached this point" but reaffirmed a commitment to resolving concerns through proper channels. They emphasised that the priority is "delivering a safe and reliable bus service for our customers" and promised to work to minimise disruption.
Passengers planning journeys, especially those heading to Christmas shopping destinations like Stratford on the affected weekends, are strongly advised to check for updates and seek alternative travel arrangements. This dispute is separate from the recent Unite strike action at the Westbourne Park bus garage in west London during November.
