More than 1,500 London bus drivers will resume previously paused strikes next week, extending industrial action until late October, after negotiations with Arriva North London failed to yield an agreement. Unite Union members rejected a recent offer concerning 'hot' working conditions, prompting the restart of walkouts.
The renewed strike action is set to begin with a four-day walkout from Tuesday, August 25, to Friday, August 28. Further industrial action is scheduled, with eight strike days planned for September and another eight for October. These actions will occur on both weekdays and weekends.
Drivers involved in the strike are based at garages in Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. The planned strike dates may coincide with scheduled closures of the Piccadilly line, which is undergoing new train testing in August and September, potentially compounding travel disruptions across the city.
The core of the dispute centers on the demand for more effective air conditioning systems on Arriva North London's buses. Unionized drivers argue that the current cooling systems are insufficient, only managing to reduce cab temperatures by two to three degrees. During recent heatwaves, driver cabs reportedly reached temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and higher.
Unite Union states that these conditions create an increased danger of fatigue and have led to drivers experiencing health problems such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. The union also pointed to Arriva's financial standing, citing mid-2025 figures that showed a pre-tax profit of €156 million and an operating profit of €127 million, suggesting the company can afford to implement the necessary changes.
Previous industrial action had already caused significant disruptions, affecting more than 40 routes with delays and cancellations. However, planned strikes on August 19 and 21 were temporarily paused to allow for negotiations. Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell indicated that a resolution is still possible if Arriva returns to the table with a deal that addresses the drivers' concerns. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham emphasized that drivers are risking their health and that the union fully backs their continued action until satisfactory changes are made.