Bus drivers strike over hot working conditions in heatwave

Unite the Union regional officer Steve Stockwell said driving conditions this summer had been “some of the worst they’ve ever been”, despite previous warnings to bus operators.

“They need to do something to keep our drivers cool, we need a structure to get air conditioning on all our buses.”

Wasim Mohammed, managing director of Arriva London, said: “We have already introduced additional support for drivers during hot weather, including regular breaks and welfare checks – and are continuing to invest in long-term improvements, including upgraded air conditioning systems and new buses coming into our fleet.

“These upgrades are complex and being led by TfL as part of its extreme heat taskforce.

“We urge Unite to come back to the negotiating table and engage with us constructively so we can avoid further disruption.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “Alongside bus operators, we take (drivers’) safety and welfare seriously and we rightly require operators to meet high standards.

“Any reports from drivers are always fully investigated, and our operators should never take action against people raising concerns about welfare.”

Several bus routes are expected to be disrupted by a series of strikes between 14 August and 20 October.

Customers are urged to check the TfL website , externalfor more information.

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