1,500 Arriva bus drivers strike over 40°C cab heat in North London

More than 1,500 Arriva North London bus drivers walked out on 14 August 2026, beginning a series of strikes over extreme heat inside their cabs. The industrial action, organised by the union Unite, affects eight garages across North and East London, including Palmers Green and Tottenham in Barnet’s borough boundaries. Drivers say temperatures inside cabs can exceed 40°C during heatwaves, creating unsafe working conditions.

Why drivers say the heat is unbearable

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Unite the union claims Arriva North London’s air cooling systems, installed on most buses, reduce cab temperatures by only 2-3°C. The union says this leaves drivers exposed to dangerous levels of heat, particularly during London’s repeated heatwaves this summer. One driver reportedly suffered heatstroke in late June and was signed off work for five days, as reported by This Is Local London.

The buses don’t have air conditioning. They think by putting a little fan in the cab helps, it doesn’t, the cab’s temperature is hotter than being outside. Something needs to be done.

Unnamed Arriva North London bus driver, speaking to Unite

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said the union’s members face a demanding job in unbearable conditions. She told This Is Local London: "No worker should be made ill by their job. This problem is raised year after year and as the summers get hotter it can no longer be swept under the carpet." Graham added that Arriva has the resources to address the issue, which she said puts both drivers and passengers at risk.

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Where and when the strikes are happening

The strikes affect Arriva’s garages in Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green. Industrial action is scheduled for multiple dates between 14 August and 19 October 2026. Key strike periods include 18-21 August, 25-28 August, and 4-5 September, which coincide with planned engineering closures on the Piccadilly line.

Steve Stockwell, Unite’s regional officer, said drivers have raised concerns repeatedly but management has not listened. He told This Is Local London: "The high temperatures this week have created even more misery for drivers at Arriva North London, who have spent the whole summer struggling to work in dangerous conditions." Stockwell added that the union is willing to return to negotiations if Arriva implements meaningful changes.

What happens next for residents

Arriva North London has not publicly responded to the union’s allegations of bullying or the specific demands for improved cooling systems. The company’s website and Transport for London’s service updates will provide real-time information on disruptions during strike dates. Residents in Barnet and neighbouring boroughs should expect significant delays and cancellations on affected routes, particularly during overlapping Piccadilly line closures.

Unite has not announced further strike dates beyond 19 October. The union says it remains open to talks, but only if Arriva commits to addressing the heat risks in drivers’ cabs. It is unclear whether the company plans to upgrade its cooling systems or take other measures to reduce cab temperatures.