London bus drivers have resumed strike action over concerns about working in high temperatures. Approximately 1,500 members of the Unite union, working across north London and Essex, are participating in a four-day strike from Tuesday to Friday, 25 August 2026.
This industrial action follows earlier stoppages this month. Further strikes are planned for the coming weeks, including eight occasions during September and October.
Drivers rejected an offer from bus operator Arriva North London, expressing concerns that proposed improvements to air conditioning systems on 730 buses may not be completed by next summer. Drivers have reported issues with "excessive in-cab heat" for years, with temperatures reportedly rising above 30C and sometimes exceeding 40C during recent heatwaves. The air-cooling system has reportedly only reduced temperatures by 2C-3C.
Eight bus garages are affected: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. Drivers at three of these garages voted against Arriva's new offer, leading to the resumed strike.