More than 1,500 bus drivers employed by Arriva London have commenced a 26-day strike, protesting what they describe as "dangerously hot" working conditions exacerbated by a record-breaking summer.
The industrial action, which began today, is expected to cause significant transport disruptions across London and Essex over the coming months. The drivers operate out of eight bus garages in north and east London and Essex.
The Unite union, representing the drivers, states that Arriva has failed to adequately address the issue of extreme heat on buses, many of which lack air conditioning. Instead, they rely on 'cooling systems' that are reportedly ineffective during heatwaves.
Striking drivers have expressed concerns that the excessive heat inside bus cabs, which can reach temperatures as high as 44C (111.2F), poses a risk of fatal accidents and drivers passing out at the wheel. Unite reported that existing systems only reduce cab temperatures by a few degrees, leaving conditions "unbearably hot for drivers and passengers."
Britain has experienced an exceptionally hot summer, with drought declared in Wales and most of England. Temperatures have repeatedly surpassed 38C (100.4F), marking the first year on record with three days above 37C (99F) and four days above 36C (95F).
Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, stated, "No worker should be made ill by their job. This problem is raised year after year and as the summers get hotter it can no longer be swept under the carpet." She added that Arriva "can afford to act on this serious issue, which puts both drivers and the general public at risk and it must make this a priority."
The striking garages include Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. Further strike dates are scheduled throughout August, September, and October.
Transport for London (TfL) data indicates that over 6,000 London buses are equipped with air-cooling systems, but most do not have full air conditioning. This action coincides with planned engineering works on the Piccadilly Line, potentially compounding travel chaos.
Peter Crane, a driver with 22 years of service, told the Press Association that his cab registered 44C, describing the conditions as "like being in a greenhouse." He questioned the company's commitment to staff comfort and safety, stating, "We just want the same thing. Why can't we have air con? Why can't we be comfortable and safe?"
Another driver, Peter Skinner, recounted an incident where a pregnant colleague at another garage passed out after exiting a bus cab. He warned of the potential for a "carnage of a 14-ton bus with 80 people in it" if a driver were to lose consciousness while operating the vehicle.
Arriva London's managing director, Mo Wasim, acknowledged the challenges posed by extreme heat and stated that the company's "top priority" is the wellbeing of staff and customers. He mentioned ongoing efforts to improve conditions, including "upgraded air conditioning systems and new buses coming into our fleet," which are being led by TfL. Arriva urged Unite to return to negotiations.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, affirmed that the Mayor and TfL take the safety and welfare of bus drivers seriously. The spokesperson noted that measures are in place to help keep staff and customers safe during hot weather, including the Mayor's heat taskforce, and that additional support is being explored with bus operators. They also stated that if a cooling system is not working adequately, drivers should contact the controller and cease driving without penalty. The Mayor and TfL called for continued discussions between the bus company and the union to reach an agreement.
