More than 1,500 London bus drivers employed by Arriva North London, members of the Unite union, began industrial action today, 18 August. The walkout, which started at 4am, is scheduled to run intermittently until 4:30am on Friday 21 August.
The industrial action is in response to what drivers describe as poor working conditions during hot weather. Unite states that most Arriva buses use air cooling systems rather than air conditioning, leading to drivers being exposed to high temperatures, with some cabs reportedly reaching over 40 degrees.
Drivers from eight garages – Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green – are involved. The following bus services are impacted: 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, N279.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham stated that the heatwave has caused more problems for members, arguing that working in such temperatures is dangerous. Arriva London Managing Director Wasim Mohammed acknowledged the challenges of extreme heat and stated that the company is working with Transport for London (TfL) and investing in improvements, including upgraded air conditioning systems.
Further planned strikes are scheduled for August, September, and October. These include 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.