Thousands of London bus passengers are set to face disruption over the coming weeks as Arriva London North drivers stage a series of strikes.
The industrial action, involving more than 1,500 drivers, is due to take place over working conditions.
The walkouts will affect dozens of routes across north, east, and central London.
The initial strike is scheduled to commence at 4am on Friday, August 14, and continue until 4.30am the following day.
Additional action is planned from August 18 to 21 and August 25 to 28, with further dates set for September and October.
Transport for London (TfL) has forewarned that affected routes will likely see "little or no service" during the strikes.
Other buses, Tube, and rail services may become busier as passengers hunt for alternative routes.
Strike Dates
The planned strike dates are as follows:
- August 14, from 4am until 4.30am on August 15
- August 18, from 4am until 4.30am on August 21
- August 25, from 4am until 4.30am on August 28
- September 4, from 4am until 4.30am on September 5
- September 7, from 4am until 4.30am on September 8
- September 18, from 4am until 4.30am on September 19
- September 21, from 4am until 4.30am on September 22
- October 2, from 4am until 4.30am on October 3
- October 5, from 4am until 4.30am on October 6
- October 16, from 4am until 4.30am on October 17
- October 19, from 4am until 4.30am on October 20
TfL has stated that night buses affected by the dispute will operate as usual the night before each strike period begins.
Affected Routes
More than 40 daytime and night bus services are expected to be affected.
These include routes: 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 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, and N279.
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The action will impact drivers from eight garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green.
The dispute revolves around working conditions during hot weather and allegations concerning the treatment of union representatives and members.
Reasons for Striking
Unite, the union representing the drivers, claims that most Arriva London North buses are equipped with air-cooling systems rather than air conditioning.
During recent heatwaves, these systems reportedly reduced temperatures by only two or three degrees.
The union alleges that temperatures inside drivers' cabs can soar to 40C or higher, with reports of some drivers suffering from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration.
Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, criticised Arriva for failing to act on drivers' repeated complaints about the conditions.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell acknowledged that passengers would understandably be frustrated by the disruption but urged Arriva to engage in talks with the union over improving working conditions.
The dispute follows a ballot launched earlier this summer after Unite called for improvements, including better cooling systems and air conditioning on buses.
Passenger Advice
Passengers have been advised to check their journeys before travelling and allow for extra time.
TfL suggests using its Journey Planner and TfL Go app for the latest information, as other local bus, Tube, and rail services are anticipated to be busier than usual during the strikes.
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