Arriva bus drivers in Barnet-area garages to strike on 26 days between August and October 2026

More than 1,500 bus drivers employed by Arriva London will strike on 26 dates between 14 August and 20 October 2026, disrupting services in north London and parts of Essex. The strikes, called by the Unite union, will affect eight garages, including those serving Palmers Green, Edmonton and Enfield, areas adjacent to the London Borough of Barnet.

The industrial action follows a dispute over working conditions during extreme heat. Unite said drivers have reported temperatures reaching 40°C in bus cabs, leading to heat exhaustion, dehydration and safety concerns. The union accused Arriva of failing to address repeated complaints about the lack of effective air conditioning.

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Walkouts in August, September and October 2026 will disrupt services across eight garages including Palmers Green and Wood Green

Which areas and dates are affected?

The strikes will involve drivers from garages in Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. While Unite has not released a full list of affected routes, disruption is expected across north London, including areas bordering Barnet.

The 26 strike days are spread across August, September and October. The first walkout is scheduled for 14-15 August, with further strikes on 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 and 19-20 October.

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Some strike dates coincide with planned closures on the Piccadilly Line, which could increase pressure on bus services. Transport for London (TfL) said it expects disruption to local bus routes in north and central London, with some routes likely to be busier than usual.

What are the demands?

Unite said the strike is a response to Arriva’s failure to install effective air conditioning in bus cabs. Many buses currently use air cooling systems, which circulate outside air but do not lower temperatures inside the cab. Drivers have described conditions as unbearable, comparing cabs to "greenhouses" during heatwaves.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, as reported by *The Standard*, that Arriva had ignored complaints about dangerous working conditions. "A profitable company such as Arriva could easily invest in improving conditions for its drivers and protecting the general public but is instead prioritising greed," she 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.

Steven Stockwell, Unite regional officer

Arriva London’s managing director, Wasim Mohammed, said the company is taking the issue seriously. "We take the welfare of our drivers seriously, and understand the impact of this extreme weather on them," he said, as reported by *The Standard*. "We are working closely with TfL to support both our colleagues and customers during these hot spells."

Mohammed added that Arriva has introduced short-term measures to protect drivers and is investing in longer-term solutions, including cab air conditioning upgrades and new fleet vehicles. The company said it remains ready to discuss the dispute with Unite to avoid further disruption.

What happens next?

Arriva and Unite have not yet scheduled formal talks to resolve the dispute. The first strike is due to begin on 14 August, with further walkouts planned throughout the following two months. TfL has urged both parties to reach an agreement to minimise disruption to passengers.

Residents in affected areas are advised to check TfL and Arriva London updates for specific route changes and alternative travel options during strike periods. TfL said it will provide real-time service information on its website and through its app.