Arriva bus strike halts 43 routes across north and east London
Drivers walked out over cab temperatures reaching 40°C during heatwaves, Unite union said
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More than 1,500 Arriva London North drivers walked out at 4am on 17 August, halting 43 bus routes across north, east and central London. The strike ended at 4am on 19 August, but further industrial action is planned for later this month and into October.
Transport for London said passengers should expect little or no service on the affected routes. Night services ran as normal on 16 August, but other bus, Tube and rail services may be busier than usual. TfL advised passengers to allow extra time and check journey updates before travelling.
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Which routes were affected
The strike disrupted 43 routes operated from eight Arriva London North garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. Affected routes included the 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 158, 175, 191, 217, 221, 243, 254, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6, N19, N29, N41 and N279.
Why drivers walked out
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Unite union said drivers had raised concerns about working conditions during extreme heat. The union said most Arriva London North buses have air-cooling systems, which it claimed reduced cab temperatures by only two or three degrees during heatwaves.
Drivers have repeatedly complained to Arriva London North about working in dangerous conditions, and the company has failed to act.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary
Unite said cab temperatures could reach 40°C, putting drivers at risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration and fatigue. The union also alleged poor treatment of union representatives by management. Arriva has not publicly responded to the specific claims.
What happens next
The next strike is scheduled to run from 4am on 25 August until 4.30am on 28 August. Further walkouts are planned for 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.
Unite said it was prepared to hold talks with Arriva to resolve the dispute. TfL advised passengers to check its website for updates, as strike arrangements can change. The operator has not announced any changes to the planned dates.
Questions this report answers
+Which bus routes were cancelled during the strike?
The strike affected 43 routes, including the 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 76, 102, 121, 141, 149, 158, 175, 191, 217, 221, 243, 254, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6, N19, N29, N41 and N279. Transport for London warned of little or no service on these routes.
+Why did Arriva London North drivers go on strike?
Unite union said drivers walked out over cab temperatures reaching 40°C during heatwaves. The union claimed Arriva’s air-cooling systems reduced temperatures by only two or three degrees, risking heat exhaustion. Drivers also alleged poor treatment by management.
+When are the next bus strikes planned?
The next strike is scheduled for 25-28 August. Further walkouts are planned for 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. Passengers should check Transport for London updates before travelling.
+How long did the strike last?
The strike began at 4am on 17 August and ended at 4am on 19 August. A planned extension from 19-21 August was called off. The next walkout is due to start at 4am on 25 August.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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