Planned industrial action by more than 1,500 bus drivers for Arriva North London has been put on hold. Members of the Unite union had previously taken strike action on Friday and Tuesday in protest over hot weather working conditions.
Further strikes that were scheduled from Wednesday to Friday have been suspended. This decision follows talks that resulted in a new offer on terms, which will now be put to a vote by the drivers.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell stated that the strike action was postponed to allow members to vote on the proposal. Should the offer be rejected, Unite has warned that strikes will resume on Tuesday 25 August.
The dispute involves drivers from eight bus garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. Unite is calling for all buses to be fitted with effective air conditioning, arguing that current air cooling systems expose drivers to extreme temperatures, with cabs potentially reaching over 40 degrees.