Bow bus strike action is disrupting several east London routes today as drivers continue a walkout over fatigue, scheduling and rest break concerns.
More than 300 drivers at Bow Bus Garage are taking part in the strike, according to Unite the Union. The drivers are employed by East London Bus & Coach Company, which is part of Stagecoach.
The latest strike action began on Wednesday 27 May and is due to end today, Friday 29 May. A further four days of action are planned from Thursday 11 June to Sunday 14 June if the dispute is not resolved.
Unite says the dispute centres on rota arrangements, driver fatigue and a lack of suitable rest breaks between duties.
“Our members are raising legitimate concerns with Stagecoach about fatigue, which is not only putting them at risk but the general public too.”
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary
The union claims some drivers are being expected to complete long and demanding shifts without adequate recovery time, while also raising concerns about meal relief arrangements and access to proper rest facilities.
Routes affected include the 8, N8, 25, N25, 205, N205 and 425. These routes serve areas including Bow, Stratford, Mile End, Ilford, Holborn, Oxford Circus and Paddington.
Image © London Bus Forums
Union says safety concerns are being ignored
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said drivers had raised “legitimate concerns” with Stagecoach about fatigue and warned that both drivers and the public were being put at risk.
“It is vital that Stagecoach treats this problem with the seriousness it deserves, rather than pushing forward with these dangerous rotas. Our members at Stagecoach have our full support.”
Unite regional officer John Murphy said Stagecoach had chosen to allow the dispute to escalate.
He said: “Instead of listening to our members at Bow bus garage, Stagecoach has instead chosen to attempt to break the strike.
“Despite this, drivers remain united on the picket line and determined to win the fight for better conditions.”
Previous strike action caused delays
Drivers at Bow Garage previously took strike action in March and April over the same unresolved concerns, which were still being raised when London Bus Forums visited the garage in March.
London Bus Forums attended the earlier picket line, where drivers spoke about long duties, pressure, fatigue and what they described as unsafe working conditions.
One driver told London Bus Forums at the time: “We’re human, not machines.”
Unite says fatigue remains a serious issue across London’s bus network and is calling for stronger action from operators, Transport for London and the Mayor of London.
The union wants improvements including better scheduling, proper breaks, improved rest facilities and minimum 12-hour breaks between duties.
What passengers need to know
Passengers using the affected routes are being advised to check before they travel and allow extra time while the strike action continues.
The affected routes serve several busy parts of east London and central London, including routes used by commuters, school pupils, hospital visitors and shift workers.
While some services may still operate, passengers could face longer waits, reduced frequencies or gaps in service during the industrial action.
Drivers have told London Bus Forums that some duties leave them with around nine-and-a-half hours’ rest between shifts. They say that once travel, food and sleep are taken into account, there is little time to properly recover before returning to work.
Some said they felt they were being treated “like machines”.
Unite says the issue is not only about working conditions, but also about safety. The union argues that better scheduling, proper rest breaks and suitable welfare facilities are needed to protect drivers, passengers and other road users.
Stagecoach has previously said it remains committed to running services and resolving disputes, but Unite says further action will go ahead unless meaningful progress is made.
Further disruption is expected in June if no agreement is reached.
London Bus Forums has contacted Stagecoach for comment.
Read our earlier report below:
“We’re Human, Not Machines” Bus Drivers Speak Out During Strike
