Approximately 1,500 members of the Unite union employed across eight garages in north and east London and Essex have resumed strike action over working conditions in dangerously high temperatures, following rejection of a proposed settlement by drivers at three locations. The four-day walkout began on Tuesday and will continue through Friday, with further stoppages scheduled throughout September and October as negotiations between the union and bus operator Arriva North London remain deadlocked.
The dispute centres on the company's commitment to retrofit air conditioning systems across its fleet of 730 buses. While Unite and Arriva reached an agreement during talks last week, drivers at Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green garages voted against the offer, citing concerns that the proposed improvements will not be completed in time for next summer's heat.
This marks a resumption of industrial action that began earlier this month. According to reports from the period, the union and operator had paused the dispute to ballot drivers on new conditions, but members rejected the package on 25 August, prompting the walkout to resume. The current round is part of a larger programme of 11 strike dates planned between mid-August and mid-October.
Initial strikes on 14 and 18 August led to delays and cancellations affecting more than 40 bus routes across the capital. The current action is reported to be affecting 43 routes across north, east and central London.
Why are drivers striking over temperature conditions?
Bus drivers have complained for years that cabs become dangerously hot during warm weather, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C and reaching above 40°C during heatwaves. This year's extreme heat has intensified concerns about working conditions, with fears that similar conditions could return in 2027.
The existing cooling systems in driver cabs have proven inadequate, typically reducing temperatures by only about 2°C to 3°C rather than providing effective air conditioning. Drivers report that these conditions put them at heightened risk of fatigue and have caused some to suffer serious health problems including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration.
What does the rejected offer include?
Arriva proposed fitting or repairing suitable air conditioning on every bus ahead of summer 2027. However, drivers at three of the eight garages that voted on the proposal rejected it, fearing the work will not be completed by the time temperatures rise again next year. The union and company continue to seek resolution, with talks expected to resume over the remaining concerns.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stated:
London bus drivers do a vital job, but are putting themselves at risk due to these appalling conditions. Arriva can fully afford to make meaningful changes our members can accept. Until that happens, strike action will continue and our members at Arriva North London will continue to have the full backing of Unite.
What is Arriva's position?
A spokesperson for Arriva London expressed disappointment at the strike, noting that five of the eight north London garages did not vote to walk out. The company stated:
We have already reached agreement with Unite officials on every demand – and we continue to seek feedback from Unite to understand what concerns remain at the three garages that voted to strike.
The operator added that
the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers will always be our highest priority and measures have been introduced this summer to help drivers cope with extreme heat, while we are also investing in air conditioning upgrades for driver cabs across our London fleet.
Arriva, along with other transport operators and Unite, are members of a taskforce established to address London's extreme weather challenges and find solutions to weather-related difficulties affecting transport services.
What happens next?
The next listed walkout after the current action is scheduled for 4–5 September, with further strike dates planned throughout September and October. Unite and Arriva are expected to continue talks over the remaining concerns in the deal as the dispute continues.
Key Facts
- About 1,500 Unite union members at eight Arriva North London garages are striking over working conditions in extreme heat
- Drivers rejected a company offer to retrofit air conditioning on 730 buses, citing concerns the work will not be finished by summer 2027
- The current four-day strike is part of a larger programme of 11 walkout dates planned between mid-August and mid-October
- Existing cooling systems reduce cab temperatures by only 2°C–3°C, leaving drivers at risk of heat-related illness
- The dispute affects 43 bus routes across north, east and central London
