Strikes by over 1,500 bus drivers in North London and Essex will resume next week, after members rejected an offer from Arriva North London.

Industrial action by the Unite members was paused from 19 to 21 August following negotiations between the union and the employer. Workers were balloted on a new offer, however workers decided this did not go far enough to solve the problems of hot weather working.

Most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems rather than more effective air conditioning. The air cooling system has only managed to reduce temperatures by around two or three degrees during the recent series of heatwaves and driver cabs can reach 40 degrees and higher.

This has put drivers at increased danger of fatigue and also led some to suffer health problems including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "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.”

Arriva's latest financial figures released in mid-2025 showed it reported a pre-tax profit of €156 million and an operating profit of €127 million.

Strikes will restart on Tuesday (25 August) to 28 August, followed by 4 to 5 September, 7 to 8 September, 18 to 19 September, 21 to 22 September, 2 to 3 October, 5 to 6 October, 16 to 17 October and 19 to 20 October.

Drivers involved in the dispute are based at the following bus garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.

Industrial action last Friday (14 August) and Tuesday (18 August) led to delays and cancellations for over 40 bus routes in the capital. Some of the planned strike dates are taking place at the same time as closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.

Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said: “There is still time for Arriva to stop this disruptive action, but it relies on it coming back to the table with a deal our members believe will solve the serious problems with conditions once and for all.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.