More than 1,600 London bus drivers have voted overwhelmingly for strike action over rota changes that could force them to work longer hours with reduced rest periods, threatening widespread disruption across the capital's transport network.
The drivers, represented by Unite the Union and primarily serving southwest London routes, backed industrial action after Transport for London (TfL) proposed new working patterns. Unite claims the changes would increase driver fatigue and compromise both worker welfare and passenger safety.
Whilst no strike dates have been set, the ballot result gives Unite authority to call walkouts at any time. The threat of action could severely impact daily commutes for thousands of Londoners who depend on buses to get to work.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said the union was prepared to take "robust action" to defend drivers' working conditions. "These drivers are seeking fair treatment and we will not stand by whilst their wellbeing is compromised," she stated, calling on TfL to enter meaningful negotiations.
TfL acknowledged the ballot result and said discussions with Unite were continuing. A spokesperson said the authority's priority was minimising passenger disruption whilst maintaining that the proposed changes were necessary for operational efficiency.
The strike threat adds fresh pressure to London's transport system, which is still recovering from pandemic passenger losses and facing ongoing financial constraints. Any widespread bus strikes would compound existing challenges and hit businesses and commuters already grappling with rising transport costs.