Heat-related London bus strike mirrors concerns of Canadian transit workers

As Canadian commuters watch transit workers in Toronto demand better heat protection, a similar dispute has erupted in London where over 1,500 bus drivers have walked out. More than 1,500 drivers resumed industrial action on Tuesday over sweltering conditions in their cabs during the recent heatwaves.

Strikes have hit bus routes across north London again after drivers rejected a deal.

The walkouts were suspended last week for negotiations, but Unite members rejected an offer from operator Arriva arguing it did "not go far enough to solve the problems of hot weather working".

The latest strike began at 4am on Tuesday and is due to continue until 4.30am on Friday.

Arriva's response

A number of further strikes are also planned over the coming months and some will take place during the planned closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.

Drivers have argued that temperatures in their cabs can reach a sweltering 40C, putting them at risk of fatigue and heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.

Unite said most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems, rather than air conditioning, which only managed to reduce temperatures by around two or three degrees during the recent series of heatwaves.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, 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."

Drivers at the Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green garages are taking part in the latest round of strikes having previously walked out on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15.

The last industrial action led to delays and cancellations for more than 40 bus routes in the capital. The same routes are due to be affected by the latest strike.

Union Unite's stance

Steven Stockwell, Unite regional officer, 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."

Remaining walkout dates are:

• August: 25 to 28
• September: 4 to 5, 7 to 8, 18 to 19, and 21 to 22
• October: 2 to 3, 5 to 6, 16 to 17, and 19 to 20

Arriva has said the wellbeing of its staff and customers is its "top priority", adding it has added extra welfare checks and cooling breaks during hot weather and is collaborating with Transport for London to roll out upgraded air conditioning on newer fleet buses.