Bus passengers in London have been warned to expect “little to no service” on several routes as 350 drivers and other staff go on strike over pay.
The action began with a 24-hour walkout starting at 5am on Friday, which was then followed by a 48-hour strike beginning at 5am today. Transport for London (TfL) said that services on the affected routes will likely be severely disrupted.
The strike involves members of the Unite union, who say it was triggered by a pay offer below the rate of inflation and represents an escalation in the ongoing dispute with management.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, criticised First Bus, stating:
“This is disgraceful behaviour from a company making millions from London bus passengers. It shows a complete disregard for its workers and the hard work they do every day. Our members won’t stand for it, and Unite will fully support them against a company with a history of anti-worker behaviour.”
First Bus, however, defended its offer, claiming it included an above-inflation pay rise plus back pay. A spokesperson said:
“We are disappointed that talks with Unite have broken down despite our continued efforts to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, including an above-inflation pay offer with full back pay for all employees.”
Unite reports that over 350 London Transit employees have turned down the pay proposal, having previously staged a four-day strike earlier this year.
When are the strikes happening?
The latest strike started this morning (November 17) at 5am and will continue for 48-hours.
This is to be followed by a 72-hour strike the following week, beginning at 5am on Wednesday November 26 and running until early on Saturday November 29.
Which routes are impacted?
A TfL spokesperson said the strike action will impact seven bus routes. The following bus routes run from Westbourne Park garage (part of First Bus London Transit) and are expected to experience very limited or no service during the strike.
Runs from North Finchley through Finchley Road, Swiss Cottage, Baker Street, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, and Victoria.
Starts around Westbourne Park, runs via Ladbroke Grove, Paddington, Marble Arch, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, and ends at Aldwych.
Connects White City / Notting Hill / Westbourne Park / Camden Town, passing through areas like Notting Hill Gate, Maida Hill, and Swiss Cottage.
The night-time version of route 31, covering similar areas between Camden Town, Kilburn, Notting Hill Gate, Chelsea, and Clapham Junction.
Runs between Hammersmith and North Acton, covering Acton Vale and other west London neighbourhoods.
Connects Ladbroke Grove (near Sainsbury’s) to Hammersmith and Fulham Broadway, continuing to Clapham Junction.
Travels from Ladbroke Grove through Knightsbridge, Battersea Park, Wandsworth Road, and Vauxhall.