Disruption as west London bus drivers go on strike

A normal service is expected on all of London's other bus routes

Commuters in west London are facing disruption as about 350 bus drivers have gone on strike in a row over pay.

Up to eight routes have been affected by the industrial action by Unite union drivers working for London Transit.

Little to no service is expected until 06:00 on Saturday on the affected routes.

The strike is the first of six that are scheduled to be held across November and December.

Most of London's bus networks will continue to operate normally on these days, and many affected roads will be served by alternative bus routes, Transport for London (TfL) said.

It added it was "actively working to minimise the impact" of the strikes.

The strike action affects the 13, 23, 28, 218, 295, 414, 452 and N28 routes.

The Underground is set to be busier than usual due to bus strikes

Unite said drivers were taking strike action after rejecting a 6.8% pay offer, which was a "significant real terms pay cut".

It said the dispute was also about the company, which is owned by RATP Dev, attempting to reduce "terms and conditions, including removing a longstanding £500 meal relief payment and attacking arrangements for a how workers take days off in lieu".

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: “Strike action will inevitably cause disruption to passengers but this is entirely the fault of London Transit and RATP’s management. They have had every opportunity to resolve this dispute but have failed to do so.”

TfL has urged Unite and RATP Dev Transit London to seek a resolution to the dispute.

Strikes are also scheduled for 13 November as well as 1, 4, 22 and 23 December.