More than 1,500 bus drivers in north and east London and Essex have postponed their strike action after Arriva North London presented new conditions to the union. The walkouts, which began on Friday, August 14, were suspended following talks between the company and Unite the union, allowing members to vote on the proposed deal.
Strike Suspended for Ballot
Drivers from eight garages—Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green—had started two days of industrial action on Friday, with further strikes planned from Wednesday, August 19, to Friday, August 21. However, Unite announced on Tuesday, August 18, that these upcoming strikes would be postponed so that members could be balloted on the new offer.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell explained: “Following talks, Arriva has made an offer to Unite members. To allow our members to have their say on whether to accept this, we have postponed strike action so they can be balloted.” If the members reject the deal, strikes will recommence on August 25.
Heatwave Conditions Inside Cabs
The dispute centers on working conditions during extreme heat, with drivers reporting temperatures of 40°C and higher inside their cabs due to ineffective air cooling systems. Unite the union stated that current systems only blow in outside air, making conditions unbearable when temperatures outside are already high.
Peter Crane, a 62-year-old driver with 22 years of service at Arriva, described recording a 44°C temperature inside his cab. He told the Press Association: “We’re so fed up, we get into the bus, and it’s absolutely boiling. It makes you drowsy. It makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. You’re sweating, you’re sticky.” Drivers have compared their cabs to “greenhouses” and are calling for all buses to be fitted with effective air conditioning.
Union Calls for Change from TfL and Operators
Stockwell also highlighted that Transport for London (TfL) must update its specifications for bus operators. He told PA: “There are two parties that need to make a change. TfL send the spec sheets out that the operators have to use, so TFL needs to change the specs. But the operators are the employers. So they need to do something to keep our drivers cool, we need a structure to get air conditioning on all our buses.”
Drivers have spoken out about how working during this year’s heatwave conditions has been “some of the worst they’ve ever been,” according to Stockwell. The strike action, which began on Friday, August 14, was part of a broader campaign over hot weather working and alleged bullying of Unite members and representatives.
Upcoming Strike Dates if Deal Rejected
If the ballot rejects the offer, further strikes are scheduled from August 25 to August 28, with additional dates in September and October 2026. These include September 4-5, 7-8, 18-19, and 21-22, as well as October 2-3, 5-6, 16-17, and 19-20. All strikes would begin at 4:00am and end at 4:30am on the specified dates.
The outcome of the ballot will determine whether drivers resume industrial action, with the next potential strike date set for August 25 if the deal is rejected.
