Passengers are being warned of delays and cancellations as drivers at eight Arriva garages begin 26 days of strike action from Friday.
More than 1,500 Arriva bus drivers are set to begin strike action across north London and parts of Essex on Friday, with passengers warned to expect delays and cancellations.
Drivers represented by Unite will walk out on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August, marking the start of 26 days of industrial action scheduled between August and October.
The action was announced earlier this month after drivers voted to strike in the long-running dispute.
The walkout is expected to be one of the biggest London bus strikes to affect North London since 2017.
The dispute involves drivers based at eight Arriva North London garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.
TfL has since confirmed that 42 bus routes will be affected by the strikes, with little or no service expected on affected routes during the periods of industrial action. Other local bus, Tube and rail services in the area may also be busier than usual.
Passengers have been advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and check TfL’s website or TfL Go app before travelling.
The strike follows a long-running dispute between Unite and Arriva over working conditions.
Unite says many buses operated by Arriva North London use air-cooling systems rather than air conditioning, and claims the systems have reduced temperatures by only around two or three degrees during recent heatwaves. Separate temperature checks carried out by London Bus Forums during periods of extreme heat have recorded temperatures of up to 43C inside driver cabs on Arriva buses in north London.
The union says some drivers have experienced heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. It has accused Arriva of failing to adequately address concerns raised by staff and has also alleged bullying of Unite representatives and members.
Tom Kearney, of campaign group London Bus Watch, said the issues at the centre of the dispute were also covered by demands in the Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights.
He said concerns over hot driver cabs and the treatment of drivers were addressed by the campaign’s calls for working cab cooling and for drivers to be treated with dignity and respect.
Kearney added: “If Unite had lobbied the Mayor and TfL to incorporate the Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights into TfL’s Framework Bus Services Contract when it was first proposed by Bus Drivers and Keith Prince AM in November 2024, I believe this strike could have been avoided”.
Arriva has rejected suggestions it has failed to act and says it is investing in measures to improve conditions.
Graphic: London Bus Forums
Wasim Mohammed, managing director of Arriva London, said the company took driver welfare seriously and had introduced short-term measures during hot weather.
He said Arriva was also investing in longer-term improvements, including upgrades to cab air conditioning and new vehicles, and remained willing to hold talks with Unite in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
When will the strikes take place?
The currently announced strike dates are:
- 14-15 August
- 18-21 August
- 25-28 August
- 4-5 September
- 7-8 September
- 18-19 September
- 21-22 September
- 2-3 October
- 5-6 October
- 16-17 October
- 19-20 October
Some of the August strike dates will coincide with major planned closures on the Piccadilly line.
TfL is closing the line between Cockfosters and Uxbridge from 18 to 20 August and again from 25 to 27 August as part of work connected with the Piccadilly line upgrade and testing of new trains.
The overlap could place additional pressure on alternative bus, Underground and rail services across north London.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said: “We know those who rely on these bus services will be dismayed to hear of industrial action, but it is entirely the fault of Arriva who has completely failed to listen to our members.
“Instead of engaging in bullying behaviour, Arriva could prevent this disruption by entering meaningful discussions with Unite on how to improve driver working conditions in hot weather once and for all. It must take this seriously and enter talks with Unite.”
The union says it remains willing to enter talks aimed at resolving the dispute. Arriva has similarly said it is ready to meet Unite in an effort to prevent disruption.
Just now
12:32
TfL confirms 42 bus routes affected by Arriva strikes
Transport for London has now published a full list of bus services expected to be affected by the Arriva London North strikes.
TfL says little or no service is expected on affected routes during the strike periods, while other local bus, Tube and rail services may be busier than usual.
The affected services are: 9, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6, N19, N29, N41 and N279.
Source: Transport for London
It has always been the same even before it was split into different companys. Trolley bus, route master & one man buses are always too hot in the summer & freezing in the winter. I have been on all of these during my life so know what I’m talking about. What annoys me on a Tuesday I have to get to Tottenham Hale to meet someone to take me shopping as I won’t be able to I will be going without food for all these days. I cannot trael on the tube even if I wanted to do so I cannot geet a bus there. In the old days I would have walked all the way from Holloway but when you get old & cannot walk far you just can’t do it.
I feel sorry for the bus drivers, its not an easy job. as a passenger you sweat to death on these buses in the summer. and freeze to death in the winter. in between dodging 600 prams and people with backpacks. as for the drivers I do feel sorry for them in this heat, pretty unbearable. they have my sympathy.