Hundreds of bus drivers in East London are preparing to vote on strike action in a dispute that could bring major disruption to Christmas travel and shopping across the capital. More than 350 bus drivers based at Stagecoach London’s Lea Interchange Bus Garage in Leyton have been balloted following a series of allegations made by their union, Unite.
The union claims that representatives at the depot have faced aggressive behaviour since a management restructure. According to Unite, the chair of the branch was first suspended, then dismissed and later reinstated, while another union representative is currently suspended after what Unite describes as an altercation with management. The union believes its representatives are being victimised for carrying out trade union activities, which Unite argues is not permitted under UK employment law.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“This is union busting, pure and simple, and Unite will never stand for it. Management must end this treatment of our reps or it will face strike action that will disrupt services for people across East London. This dispute is entirely of the employer’s making.”
The ballot closes on 18 November and, depending on the result, strikes could begin from early December. Such action is likely to hit the heart of the festive season, a time when passenger demand typically rises and London’s shops and small businesses rely on extra footfall. Thirteen bus routes serving East London are set to be affected, with the 97 service to Westfield Stratford City singled out as particularly significant for Christmas shoppers.
Other routes at risk include the 58, 86, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14, and 678. Unite’s regional officer John Murphy said, “Given the number of routes and drivers involved, any strike action will lead to travel chaos, especially around the busy Christmas shopping and festivities period. Members at the bus depot are very supportive of their colleagues, who have been hardworking reps. They will not stand for union busting and management must reconsider their behaviour or face disruptive industrial action.”
Several drivers at Lea Interchange have spoken of low morale in the lead up to the ballot. Concerns about working conditions, job security and relations with management have all contributed to the strong support for Unite’s position among depot staff.
Bus passengers in East London could see significant disruption if the ballot leads to industrial action. Previous strikes on London’s network have resulted in long waits and crowded alternative routes. There are fears among local businesses that a walkout could hamper their busiest trading period and that many residents will struggle to get to work or to see family and friends.
Normally, London bus services already operate on a reduced timetable over Christmas, with no services at all on Christmas Day and only limited buses running on Boxing Day. If a strike is called, pressure on key routes would grow even further. For many people in East London, finding other ways to travel is not a simple option.
Image © Transport for London
The row at Lea Interchange has also reignited the debate over conditions for bus drivers in the capital. Some workers and union officials argue that a combination of pressure on funding, privatisation and increasing workloads has worsened standards in the job over several years. Many of those taking part in the ballot believe only strong action will persuade employers to seriously address their concerns.
Stagecoach London, which operates the Lea Interchange Bus Garage, insists that it is committed to constructive talks and has rejected accusations of union busting. Both sides say they want to resolve the dispute but so far have not managed to find common ground.
As the 18 November deadline for the ballot approaches, attention will be focused on the outcome of the vote and any last minute negotiations. Passengers, shopkeepers, and local leaders across East London are keenly awaiting news, hoping for a breakthrough but preparing for the possibility of further disruption.
For now, uncertainty remains. What happens next will have consequences for bus workers, families, and businesses across London at the most important time of year. The situation at Lea Interchange Bus Garage is now a test of strength between employers and staff, with the travelling public caught in the middle.
Unite was approached for any additional comment.
At the time of writing, a Transport for London spokesperson said:
“We encourage Unite and Stagecoach to work together to come to an agreement and avoid disruption to Londoners.”
Wow!! Shocking behaviour