Drivers at 10 garages are being balloted after concerns were raised about ineffective cooling systems during hot weather.
More than 1,900 Arriva bus drivers in North London are voting on whether to take strike action over claims that temperatures inside their cabs have become unbearable during hot weather.
The ballot opened on 1 July and is due to close on 29 July. No strike dates have been announced.
Unite said many Arriva North London buses use air cooling systems rather than air conditioning, with temperatures in some cabs reportedly reaching the high 30s during recent hot weather.
TfL says air conditioning in drivers’ cabs has been a requirement for London buses since 2006 and that every vehicle in the fleet is fitted with it.
The ballot comes after TfL set up a task force to examine concerns about excessive temperatures inside London bus driver cabs.
The union claims the systems reduced cab temperatures by only two or three degrees during the latest heatwave, leaving drivers struggling with heat and fatigue.
One driver, who asked not to be named, told London Bus Forums News: “I’ve even had a cold flannel on my head just to keep my head cool, so I’m alert enough to drive.”
The driver said the conditions were becoming impossible to work in.
Unite said the issue had been raised with Arriva in previous years but that drivers had not seen sufficient improvements. The union is calling for better cooling systems, including effective air conditioning in drivers’ cabs.
The ballot covers drivers at Barking, Clapton, Dartford, Edmonton and Enfield garages, as well as Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said Arriva had failed to provide drivers with a safe and comfortable working environment and that members believed they had no choice but to ballot.
Drivers have also been issued with a letter they can show managers when they believe conditions inside a cab have become unsafe. The letter refers to protections under section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
The ballot follows comments from the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, who told ITV News London that drivers should stop if conditions inside their cabs became unsafe during hot weather.
Sir Sadiq said TfL had instructed bus operators to check vehicles and ensure cooling systems were working. He also said performance targets should not apply during the heatwave.
“Bus drivers who think their cabin is too hot, or the bus is too hot, must stop,” he said.
Unite said any strike action could lead to delays and cancellations across services operated from the affected garages.
Arriva London and TfL have been approached for comment.
I travel on routes 73/38 five days per week travelling to and from work, these bus routes are absolutely joke in the hot month’s not only is the drivers suffering so are the passengers.
Something needs to be sorted ASAP this can not continue.
I have emailed tfl numerous times regarding the heat on the buses to be told the temperature of the bus is regulated at the bus garage before they leave but if that is the case why are they not sent to a cool temperature knowing the hot temperatures outside.
I was also told I need to carry a fan in fact I have to carry 2 without them I wouldn’t be bale to make my journey especially coming home in the afternoon.
Let me just add its not just these 2 bus routes its most of tfl buses.