London bus drivers in strike vote over pay

The Unite union says drivers have issues with pay and fatigue

Bus drivers in London are to be balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Unite said if its 20,000 members backed industrial action, drivers would strike in the new year.

Issues include pay, access to toilet and rest facilities, and concerns about driver fatigue.

The union said its drivers, who have been described as heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic, would only take industrial action as a last resort.

Unite officer John Murphy said: "Bus workers are coming under attack on pay and conditions from bus operators throughout London.

The union said its members would only strike as a last resort

"As well as insulting pay offers, which are real-terms cuts, there is the proposal to roll out remote sign on, tear up contracts with guaranteed hours and replace them with zero hour contracts.

"Unite has been attempting to resolve these matters via negotiation but this has currently been unsuccessful.

"We are now beginning the process of balloting members for industrial action and this will ramp up in the new year. If members vote in favour, strike action could begin this winter.

"Bus drivers only take industrial action as a last resort, as they realise the huge disruption it will cause passengers across London.

"However, drivers feel very strongly that they are described as heroes on the one hand but the only thanks they are receiving is pay cuts and attacks on their conditions."

Transport for London, said: "We urge Unite and the bus operators involved to sit down and talk through the issues to try and resolve them as soon as possible."