There will be major disruption to bus services in East London this month, as over 300 drivers walk out in a dispute about fatigue. 

Unite members at the East London Bus & Coach Company, part of Stagecoach, have voted to take strike action, severely impacting services including those that go to central London and Westfield Stratford City. The drivers will strike from Thursday 19 March completing their industrial action on Sunday 22 March. 

Drivers at the Bow bus garage are being made to cover long distances without adequate breaks, causing fatigue and leaving workers concerned that passengers are being endangered. They are often not being provided with sufficient time between shifts to recuperate, while Stagecoach is refusing to schedule meal breaks at the depot, meaning drivers do not have a suitable area to rest.

Bus driver fatigue is a very serious problem, leading to a higher risk of accidents such as bus crashes. Factors that lead to fatigue include long shifts, insufficient breaks and inadequate running times resulting in drivers undertaking overtime to complete journeys.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Stagecoach is behaving appallingly, overworking drivers, creating a huge issue of fatigue and not giving them essential breaks.

"Fatigue is not just everyday tiredness, it is highly dangerous for both drivers and the general public. Unite will always ensure that our members receive good conditions and this dispute is no exception - the drivers at Stagecoach have our full backing."

Cancellations and delays are expected while industrial action takes place. Bus services impacted will be the 8, N8, 25, N25, 45, 205 and N205.

Unite regional officer John Murphy said: "We know passengers who use these bus routes will be concerned to hear of industrial action, but it is entirely the fault of Stagecoach which has refused to listen to members and find a solution to the problems raised.

"Fatigue is very dangerous, not only having a serious impact on drivers' health, but it also puts passengers and pedestrians at risk.

"There is still time for industrial action to be prevented, but that relies on Stagecoach returning to negotiations with a serious solution." 

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org