Drivers say overheating cabs put safety at risk; thousands of journeys could be disrupted
More than 1,500 bus drivers employed by Arriva North London will resume strike action from Tuesday 25 August, the Unite union has announced, after members rejected a proposed deal. The dispute centres on the temperatures drivers say they experience in their cabs during heatwaves, which they claim can reach around 40C.
Unite said the industrial action will affect drivers at garages including Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. The union warned that the fresh walkouts could again cause delays and cancellations on dozens of routes across the north of the capital.
Drivers and the union argue that many buses operate with air cooling systems rather than full air conditioning, which they say only reduces temperatures by a few degrees during extreme heat. That, they contend, leaves staff at risk of fatigue, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
"London bus drivers do a vital job, but are putting themselves at risk due to these appalling conditions," said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said there was still scope for talks but that Arriva needed to return to the table with an offer that would resolve what he described as “serious problems with conditions once and for all”.
What passengers should expect
The last rounds of industrial action in mid-August caused disruption to more than 40 routes. Commuters should prepare for possible cancellations, longer waiting times and bus overcrowding on affected days. Transport operators often try to minimise disruption, but services on the following dates are listed by Unite as strike days:
- 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 it prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and customers, and has introduced extra welfare checks and cooling breaks during hot weather. The company added it is working with Transport for London to roll out upgraded air conditioning on newer buses.
Local impact and council services
In north London, many residents rely on the affected routes for commuting, school runs and access to health services. Business owners spoken to near major interchange points said repeat disruptions in August have already reduced footfall on busy shopping days.
Community groups supporting older or vulnerable residents have warned that repeated strike days will complicate travel to appointments and social care visits. Facilities managers at several health centres said they were preparing contingency plans, urging patients to check before travel and allow extra time.
Technical dispute and demands
The central issue is the difference between air cooling systems fitted to many buses and full air conditioning. Unite says cooling systems only lower cabin temperatures by a couple of degrees — insufficient in prolonged heatwaves — and that a programme of upgrades is necessary to protect staff health. Arriva maintains it has taken interim steps to mitigate risk while newer, air-conditioned buses are phased in.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of drivers striking | 1,500+ |
| Reported cab temperature | ~40C |
| First day of resumed action | 25 August |
| Garages affected (examples) | Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, Wood Green |
Advice for passengers
- Check operator and TfL service updates before travelling on strike dates.
- Allow extra journey time and consider alternative routes or modes where possible.
- Plan essential medical or work travel outside the listed strike days if you can.
Unite said its members will continue to have the union’s support until Arriva makes what it describes as “meaningful changes” that can be accepted by drivers. The union and company both say they remain open to negotiations, but without an agreement commuters should prepare for disruption on the dates published by Unite.
Reporting from north London, I have heard from drivers who describe working in extreme conditions and from residents who are braced for further disruption to vital bus routes. With strike dates stretching into October, the coming weeks will be decisive for both employee welfare and passengers who depend on the bus network.
