Industrial action involving 1,500 bus drivers employed by Arriva London North has officially commenced, disrupting more than 40 routes across north, east and central London, as well as parts of Essex. The first walk-out began at 4am on Friday, August 14, and is scheduled to continue until 4.30am on Saturday, August 15. Unite the union, which represents the striking drivers, has planned a total of 11 separate walk-outs across 26 dates, with further action scheduled for August, September and October.
Strike Dates and Affected Services
According to the union, the strikes will take place on the following dates: August 14-15, August 18-21, August 25-28, September 4-5, September 7-8, September 18-19, September 21-22, October 2-3, October 5-6, October 16-17, and October 19-20. Each strike period begins at 4am and ends at 4.30am on the final day.
The action impacts a wide range of services, including standard London buses, night buses, school services, and Superloop routes. Transport for London (TfL) has warned that “little or no service is expected on affected routes” on strike dates. The affected routes are: 19, 29, 34, 38, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, W3, W4, W6, school services 616 and 675, Superloop routes SL1 and SL2, and night buses N19, N29, N41, and N279.
Reason for the Industrial Action
The dispute centres on working conditions during hot weather. Unite claims that Arriva North has “failed to act on driver complaints about poor working conditions in hot weather”. The union says that current air-cooling systems in buses only reduce in-cab temperatures by “around two or three degrees”, which it argues is insufficient. Unite highlights that excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration among drivers, and also exacerbates fatigue. The union further alleges that union-busting practices are part of the dispute.
Drivers based at eight garages are taking part in the walk-outs: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green.
Official Responses
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Time and time again drivers have complained to Arriva North London about working in dangerous conditions but the company has failed to act which is completely unacceptable. A profitable company such as Arriva could easily invest in improving conditions for its drivers and protecting the general public but is instead prioritising greed. We will back our members all the way in this dispute.”
In response, TfL stated: “We are working together on a range of measures to further improve working conditions, health and wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring that all staff have a fair work schedule, with safe vehicles and access to the facilities they need to carry out their roles effectively. We would like to reassure colleagues again that any reports from drivers are always fully investigated and our operators should never take action against people raising concerns about welfare.”
Passengers are advised to check before travelling on strike days, as significant disruption is expected across the affected routes.
