There is set to be major disruption to bus services in north London, as over 1,900 drivers across ten garages are balloting for strike action. The bus drivers, who work for Arriva North London, are preparing to take action as their employer has failed to act on complaints about working conditions on buses during hot weather.
Most Arriva North London buses have air cooling systems rather than air conditioning. These take in air from outside and circulate it around and can reduce the ambient temperature by a maximum of ten degrees Celsius, however bus drivers have said in the latest heatwave temperatures have only reduced by around two or three degrees.
This has left drivers working in conditions they have deemed unbearable (with temperatures regularly in the high 30s) as well as suffering from fatigue that has worsened in the recent heatwave. This issue has been raised with Arriva North London in previous years, but action has not been taken. Drivers are calling for improvements to buses, including installing air conditioning.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bus drivers have suffered in these scorching temperatures for long enough and the situation is getting worse. Arriva must stop putting profits before people and invest in much better systems to keep buses cool. Our members there have Unite’s full support in their fight for decent working conditions.”
Drivers involved in the dispute are based at the following bus garages: Barking, Clapton, Dartford, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. The ballot opens on 1 July and will close on 29 July. Any strike action will lead to major delays and cancellations of bus services.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said: “Arriva has failed to provide our members with a safe and comfortable working environment during the hot weather. This is putting bus drivers and passengers at risk and our members believe they have no choice but to ballot for industrial action.
“We recognise that those who use these bus services may be frustrated to hear this news, but this is a serious safety issue. It is on Arriva to create a safer environment, not just for our members but the general public and it must do this immediately or face disruption.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan has backed the drivers. Speaking to LBC last week, Khan said: “I don’t want any bus driver to work in conditions that are unacceptable in London in 2026. Let me speak directly to bus drivers – if your cabin is too hot, I’ve given TFL permission and told the bus operators, you must not be driving that bus. Please think about your personal safety, please think about your passengers – you will not be penalised.”
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