Arriva bus drivers in Barnet and north London to strike over cab heat risks
Walkouts in August, September and October 2026 will disrupt services across eight garages including Palmers Green and Wood Green
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More than 1,500 Arriva bus drivers will walk out on 22 days between 14 August and 20 October 2026, disrupting services across north London and parts of Essex. The strikes follow repeated warnings from drivers about dangerously high temperatures inside bus cabs during heatwaves.
Unite the union announced the action on 29 July 2026. Drivers at eight garages, Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green, will take part. Palmers Green and Wood Green serve routes in Barnet, including the 102, 144, 221 and 299.
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Why drivers are striking
Drivers have reported symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration after working in cabs that reach 40 °C or higher. Most Arriva North London buses are fitted with air cooling systems, which Unite says reduce temperatures by only 2 to 3 °C.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said Arriva has repeatedly ignored complaints about unsafe conditions. She said the company’s €156 million pre-tax profit, reported in mid-2025, could fund improvements but has not been used to protect drivers or passengers.
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Time and time again drivers have complained to Arriva North London about working in dangerous conditions but the company has failed to act which is completely unacceptable.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite
Unite has provided drivers with an official letter to show employers when cab temperatures become unsafe. The letter invokes section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which gives workers the right to stop work if they believe conditions pose a serious risk to health and safety.
What Arriva says
Wasim Mohammed, managing director of Arriva London, said the company takes driver welfare seriously. He said Arriva is working with Transport for London to introduce short-term measures and long-term fixes, including cab air conditioning upgrades and new fleet investments.
Mohammed said Arriva remains ready to discuss the issues with Unite at any time. He said the company wants to avoid strike action and the disruption it will cause to passengers.
Impact on residents
The strikes will coincide with planned closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September 2026. TfL has not yet published details of the closures, but previous engineering works have affected services between Cockfosters and Arnos Grove.
Residents in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey should expect delays and cancellations on Arriva routes during strike days. TfL’s Journey Planner will show alternative bus and rail options. Arriva will publish live service updates on its website and social media channels.
What happens next
Unite has not announced further strikes beyond October 2026. The union said it will continue to support drivers who refuse to work in unsafe conditions under section 44 of the Employment Rights Act.
Arriva said it is investing in long-term solutions, including air conditioning upgrades. The company has not said when these will be completed. Residents can check Arriva’s website for updates on service changes during strike periods.
Questions this report answers
+Which bus routes in Barnet will be affected?
Routes served by Palmers Green and Wood Green garages will be disrupted, including the 102, 144, 221 and 299. Residents should check Arriva’s live updates or TfL’s Journey Planner for alternatives during strike days.
+How hot do bus cabs get during heatwaves?
Drivers report cab temperatures reaching 40 °C or higher. Arriva’s cooling systems reduce temperatures by only 2 to 3 °C, according to Unite. Drivers have cited heat exhaustion and dehydration as risks.
+What is Arriva doing to fix the problem?
Arriva says it is introducing short-term measures and investing in long-term fixes, including air conditioning upgrades and new fleet. The company has not said when these will be completed.
+Can drivers legally refuse to work in hot cabs?
Yes. Drivers can stop work under section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 if they believe conditions pose a serious risk to health and safety. Unite has provided drivers with an official letter to show employers.
WE FILE
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