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Back in September, hundreds of bus workers in west London went on strike over pay. That dispute still hasn’t been resolved and, as a result, more than 350 bus drivers, engineers and store workers will walk out again in the final two weeks of November.
The striking staff all work at the Westbourne Park garage, meaning the action will impact routes covering west, north west and south west parts of the city. That includes the 13, which runs from North Finchley to Victoria Station, the 23, which serves Notting Hill and Soho, and the 31, which travels between Shepherd’s Bush and Camden.
So, if you live or work in any of those areas, here’s everything you need to know about the bus strikes happening over the next fortnight.
When are London bus workers going on strike?
Following a walkout on Friday November 14, bus workers will strike for another 48-hours from 5am on Monday November 17 until 5am on Wednesday, November 19. They’ll strike again next week from 5am on Wednesday November 26 until 5am on Saturday November 29.
Which bus routes will be affected by strikes?
The impacted routes are the 13, 23, 31, N31, 218, 295 and 452. TfL said that there is ‘likely to be little to no service on affected routes’ and that ‘some local bus routes may be busier than normal’.
Why are bus workers going on strike?
The industrial action is over pay. Unite union said that it’s the result of an escalation of the dispute between staff and management at London Transit (a subsidiary of First Bus London) after a ‘below inflation’ pay offer. More than 350 workers have rejected the offer.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘This is disgraceful behaviour from a company making millions from London bus passengers. It shows an utter disregard for its workers and the hard work they do day in, day out.
‘Our members won't stand for such behaviour and Unite will back them all the way in this dispute with a company that has a history of anti-worker behaviour.’
A spokesperson for First Bus London 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.
‘We urge Unite to re-engage in meaningful discussions so we can reach a resolution and end the ongoing disruption, which causes inconvenience for passengers and loss of earnings for our employees.’
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