London Bus Drivers Strike December Christmas Travel Disruption is set to cause major upheaval across East London, as hundreds of Stagecoach Lea Interchange drivers will strike during the peak holiday travel period. Confirmed walkouts are scheduled for 12 and 13 December and 8 and 9 January, targeting the weeks before Christmas and after New Year when demand for bus services is at its highest.
London Bus Drivers Strike December Christmas Travel Disruption: What You Need to Know
Unite the Union has announced that 350 drivers will participate in the industrial action, following a 98 per cent ballot in favour of striking over alleged union busting and bullying at the depot.
Major routes affected will include the 97, 58, 86, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14 and 678. The 97 serves Westfield Stratford City, one of East London’s top shopping destinations.
Unite says the dispute centres on the treatment of its reps at the depot, including suspensions and dismissals following a management restructure. Stagecoach denies the allegations.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Unite will never stand idly by when an employer uses union busting and bullying tactics. Management at the depot must change tack or face disruptive action. Unite members at Lea Interchange bus garage which is operated by Stagecoach have the union’s full support.”
A Stagecoach London spokesperson said, “Our drivers at Lea Interchange Garage who are members of Unite the Union have now voted in favour of taking strike action.
“It would be inappropriate to comment on cases involving any individuals, but we utterly refute the allegations made by Unite of union busting and bullying.
“All employees are held to the same standards of behaviour, regardless of their role, and any allegations of misconduct are handled in line with our established policies and procedures.
“It is disappointing the situation has reached this point, but we value our ongoing relationship with Unite and remain committed to resolving any concerns through the proper channels.
“Our priority continues to be delivering a safe and reliable bus service for our customers, and we will work to minimise any disruption.”
Out of 377 eligible drivers, 216 cast their vote, with 212 backing the strike. Unite has warned that bus services will be seriously disrupted during the busiest shopping weeks unless Stagecoach changes its approach to trade union representatives at Lea Interchange.
Passengers are being urged to check for updates with Transport for London and to plan ahead for possible route closures and delays.
A Transport for London spokesperson said, “We encourage Unite and Stagecoach to work together to come to an agreement and avoid disruption to Londoners.”
During previous strikes, parts of London faced crowded buses, missed connections and long waits at the busiest time of year. Retailers at major destinations, such as Westfield Stratford City, are also braced for a drop in footfall if the walkout goes ahead.
The dispute has placed a fresh spotlight on driver conditions and union rights within London’s bus sector, testing relations between employers and workers as the city prepares for the festive season.
For full background on all bus strikes across London, read our London Bus Strikes – The Complete 2025 Guide.
Slavecoach dirty tatics again…