More than 1,500 London bus drivers employed by Arriva North London are continuing industrial action today, Friday 14 August. The walkout, by members of the Unite union, began at 4am on 13 August and is scheduled to run until 4:30am on Saturday 15 August.
The strike impacts 45 bus services, including routes 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 103, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6, N19, N29, N41, and N279. Drivers from eight garages – Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green – are involved.
The dispute centres on working conditions during extreme heat, with the union stating that most Arriva buses use air cooling systems rather than air conditioning. Unite is calling for effective air conditioning to be fitted to all buses, citing health risks for drivers.
Further planned strikes are scheduled throughout August, September, and October. These include dates from 18 to 21 August, 25 to 28 August, 4 to 5 September, 7 to 8 September, 18 to 19 September, 21 to 22 September, 2 to 3 October, 5 to 6 October, 16 to 17 October, and 19 to 20 October.