Thousands hit by bus walkout as workers strike over pay

Tens of thousands of bus passengers faced travel chaos today as staff walked out for 24 hours over pay.

The stoppage is expected to hit 58 routes and 750 buses serving huge sections of east London. Company bosses have imposed a pay freeze, blaming the recession. Union Unite has refused to rule out further strikes.

The East London Bus Group employs 2,600 workers of whom 2,400 are Unite members. Union bosses said the strike was sanctioned after the company refused any pay increase.

Further travel misery loomed as it emerged that busy London rail routes could be closed on Sundays as train drivers refuse to work overtime. Sunday services on many routes are operated by drivers on a voluntary basis.