London bus drivers resume strike over heatwave working amid fears over air con deal
Drivers concerned that bus operator’s offer to retrofit cabs on 730 buses will not be complete by next summer London bus drivers have resumed strike action over having to work in high temperatures, amid fears that proposed improvements to air conditioning will not be complete by next summer. About 1,500 members of the Unite union working across north London and Essex are taking part in the…
London bus drivers have returned to work on a four-day strike, demanding better working conditions amid a heatwave and concerns that improvements to air conditioning won't be completed by next summer. Approximately 1,500 members of the Unite union, working in north London and Essex, are participating in the action from Tuesday to Friday. This follows previous industrial action this month and future planned stoppages.
The dispute began after talks between the Unite union and bus operator Arriva North London. The union rejected what they deemed an insufficient offer from the company, citing ongoing issues with excessive heat inside buses. Drivers have long complained about "excessive in-cab heat," with temperatures often exceeding 30C and reaching 40C during this year's five consecutive heatwaves.
They argue that the current air-cooling system only reduces temperatures by a mere 2-3C, increasing the risk of fatigue, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration.
Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham, emphasized the dangers faced by bus drivers: "London bus drivers do a vital job but are putting themselves at risk due to these appalling conditions. Arriva can fully afford to make meaningful changes our members can accept." The union has vowed to continue strike action until these concerns are addressed.
Eight bus garages in Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green initiated the strike on August 14 and 18, leading to delays and cancellations for over 40 bus routes in the capital. Three of these garages voted against the new offer presented by Arriva, causing the union members to resume their strike action.
Arriva London responded by expressing disappointment, stating that five out of eight north London garages do not support the strike. They claimed to have reached agreement with Unite officials on every demand and are seeking feedback from Unite regarding the remaining concerns at the three garages that voted to strike.
Arriva, along with other transport operators and Unite, is part of Transport for London's extreme weather taskforce aimed at finding solutions to weather-related challenges. Additional bus driver strikes are planned for eight separate occasions in September and October.
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