More than 1,500 bus drivers working for Arriva London have begun 26 days of strike action, protesting what they describe as dangerously hot working conditions on buses without adequate air conditioning. The industrial action, which started today, is expected to cause significant transport delays across London and surrounding areas in Essex.
The Unite union, representing the drivers, stated that Arriva has failed to improve working conditions during hot weather. Drivers report that bus cabs can become unbearably hot due to the reliance on 'cooling systems' that are ineffective during heatwaves, leading to concerns about driver fatigue and the risk of accidents. Some drivers have reported cab temperatures reaching 44C (111.2F).
This strike action occurs as the UK experiences its hottest summer on record. Britain recently recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 38.1C (100.6F) in Kew Gardens. This is the second time this year temperatures have surpassed 38C, a threshold that was only met once in 2022, the UK's previous hottest year on record. Several days have exceeded 37C and 36C, extending a record run of days above 35C.
Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, emphasized that no worker should be made ill by their job and that the issue of unbearable working conditions during hot weather, which has been raised annually, can no longer be ignored. She urged Arriva to prioritize addressing the problem, which she stated puts both drivers and the public at risk.
The drivers involved in the strike work at eight Arriva London depots: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. The planned strike dates include the current period, August 18-21, August 25-28, and several dates in September and October.
Transport for London data indicates that while over 6,000 London buses are equipped with air-cooling systems, most lack full air conditioning. Drivers have expressed frustration that their concerns are not being heard by management, leaving them with no alternative but to strike. Unite has stated willingness to negotiate but requires Arriva to implement meaningful changes for safe working conditions.
Peter Crane, a driver with 22 years of experience, shared a cab temperature reading of 44C and described the conditions as being "like being in a greenhouse," leading to drowsiness and discomfort. He questioned why drivers could not have the same comfort and safety as management who travel in air-conditioned cars.
Another driver, Peter Skinner, recounted an incident where a pregnant colleague at another garage passed out after stepping out of a hot cab, highlighting the potential dangers, including a driver losing consciousness at the wheel of a 14-ton bus.
Arriva London's managing director, Mo Wasim, acknowledged the challenges posed by extreme heat and stated that the wellbeing of staff and customers is a priority. He mentioned that the company is working with Transport for London (TfL) and has introduced additional support measures, such as regular breaks and welfare checks, while investing in long-term improvements like upgraded air conditioning and new buses. He urged Unite to return to negotiations to avoid further disruption.
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. They highlighted the vital role drivers play and the commitment to improving their working conditions. Measures already in place include the Mayor's heat taskforce, and further updates on efforts to support drivers in hot weather are expected. The spokesperson added that all driver cabs are fitted with air-cooling systems, and drivers are instructed to stop driving if a system is not working adequately and they feel unsafe, without penalty. Both the Mayor's office and TfL are urging the bus company and the union to continue discussions to reach an agreement and prevent further strikes.
