London Bus Strike -disruption to 43 services across transport network

Arriva bus strike continues as dozens of London routes remain disrupted <i>(Image: NQ Staff)</i>
Arriva bus strike continues as dozens of London routes remain disrupted (Image: NQ Staff)
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Thousands of London commuters face another day of bus disruption as strike action continues across the capital.

The walkout involves more than 1,500 drivers employed by Arriva London North and is in protest over working conditions during hot weather.

The strike has affected services across north, east, and central London, causing warnings from Transport for London (TfL) of little or no service on certain routes.

However, passengers have been given some relief as part of the planned industrial action was called off.

Bus Disruption

The strike began on August 17, and continued throughout August 18, before it ended at 4am on August 19.

The planned disruption from 4am on August 19 until 4.30am on August 21 was, however, called off.

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A total of 43 services have been affected by the Arriva London North industrial action.

These include routes 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 103, 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.

TfL has warned that little or no service is expected on affected routes while the strike is taking place.

Night services affected by the dispute were expected to operate as normal on the night before industrial action began.

Other local bus, Tube, and rail services could also be busier than usual, and passengers were advised to allow extra time and check their journeys before travelling.

Reason for the Strike

The dispute involves Unite members working for Arriva London North at eight garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green.

Unite said drivers have raised concerns about conditions inside their cabs during periods of extreme heat.

According to the union, most buses operated by Arriva London North have air-cooling systems rather than more effective air conditioning, which the union claims have only reduced temperatures by around two or three degrees during recent heatwaves.

It said drivers' cabs can reach temperatures of 40C or higher, putting workers at risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and fatigue.

The dispute also involves allegations by Unite concerning the treatment of union representatives and members by management.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said drivers had repeatedly complained to Arriva London North about working in dangerous conditions and accused the company of failing to act.

The union has said it is prepared to hold talks with Arriva to resolve the dispute.

Upcoming Strikes

Further industrial action is currently scheduled for later in August, September, and October.

According to TfL, the next walkout is due to run from 4am on August 25 until 4.30am on August 28.

Further strikes are currently planned for September 4 to September 5, September 7 to September 8, September 18 to September 19, September 21 to September 22, October 2 to October 3, October 5 to October 6, October 16 to October 17, and October 19 to October 20.

Passengers are advised to check TfL's latest travel information before setting off as strike arrangements can change.

TfL is advising passengers to check before they travel.

They are also reminding commuters to allow extra time for their journeys.

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