Bus journeys in London face disruption this summer as over 1,500 drivers employed by Arriva North London plan to strike. Members of the Unite union will walk out on 26 dates across August, September, and October, with the first action scheduled for next week.
The union stated that drivers have experienced health problems, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, due to driving in hot weather. Unite claims Arriva North London has not addressed complaints regarding working conditions during hot periods, noting that most Arriva buses use air cooling systems rather than air conditioning.
Drivers from eight garages – Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green – are involved in the dispute. Planned strikes in August and September are expected to coincide with closures on the Piccadilly line.
A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson indicated that strike action is expected to affect local bus routes in north and some central London areas, though the majority of the bus network will operate as planned. TfL encourages affected customers to plan ahead, allow extra time, and check their website or the TfL Go app before travelling.