London bus strike: Which routes are affected and when will it happen?
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Version 0 of 1. Londoners are prepared for more travel misery after plans for another three bus strikes were confirmed across the capital in the coming weeks. Thousands of drivers from 18 companies operating across the city are expected to walk out on 5, 13 and 16 February over a continuing dispute over pay disparity. Drivers are protesting the differing rates of pay for similar hours. Even when driving the exact same route, bus drivers’ pay can fluctuate by as much as £3 per hour, from £9.30 to £12.34. Transport for London’s Director of Buses Mike Weston said: “I am very sorry that the leadership of Unite are threatening to further disrupt the journeys of bus passengers, especially given that only 16 per cent of the bus drivers voted for strike action.” In a statement to The Independent he claimed that bus drivers’ pay was reflected in their years’ of experience and ‘leveling up’ pay would “cost around £100 million a year and would result in a cut to bus services, an increase in fares, or both.” Mr Weston’s claims were refuted by Unite, who are co-ordinating the strike. Regional officer Wayne King said the organisation had been “working tirelessly” to resolve the issues and prevent the “inevitable disruption”. He continued: “We urge London’s bus operators to see sense and collectively engage in talks to give London’s bus workers a fair deal.” It is the latest strike after roughly 20,000 workers walked out in January, bringing travel difficulties to hundreds of thousands of commuters in the capital. Will my bus be affected? The following 18 companies are expecting walk outs on the three proposed dates. Arriva North, Arriva South, Selkent, London General, Metroline, Metroline West, Metrobus, CT Plus, London United, Abellio South, Abellio West, London Sovereign, Stagecoach, Blue Triangle, Northumberland Park, Tower Transit, Docklands and London Central. |