London bus drivers voting on strike action

United said members employed by London United had rejected a pay offer

About 1,600 London bus drivers are being balloted for strike action over pay and conditions, Unite has said.

The trade union said members employed by London United were voting over an ongoing dispute.

It said drivers who work on services across south, west and central London, had rejected a 4% pay offer, which Unite claimed was a "real terms pay cut".

French state-owned RATP Group, which runs London United, has been contacted for comment.

A ballot for industrial action opened this week and will close on 22 July.

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: "London United will be directly responsible for any disruption caused to bus services in South, West and Central London.

"There is still time to avoid strike action, but London United must table an offer our members can accept."

Unite said members refused the 4% increase as the retail price index (RPI) inflation rate was 5.1% when the pay increase was meant to be implemented in December 2023.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the annual RPI rate was 5.2% in December 2023.

The union said a scheduling agreement and boost to terms and conditions put forward by London United were "not fit for purpose".

The move follows recent Unite strike action by London bus drivers employed by other operators, including Abellio.

A Transport for London spokesperson said: "We encourage Unite and London United to work together to come to an agreement and avoid disruption to Londoners."