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Out and about in east London next weekend? Watch out, you might have to navigate strike action. Hundreds of bus drivers will walk out, impacting over a dozen routes mostly in east and northeast London. Travel in and around prime Christmas shopping destination Stratford will be significantly affected.
The striking drivers all work for the Lea Interchange Bus Company, which is part of Stagecoach, and they’re all represented by the Unite union. The workers are walking out amid accusations of union busting and bullying at the company, which Stagecoach says it ‘utterly refutes’. This is a separate dispute to the one by Unite workers at Westbourne Park bus garage, which led to strikes in west London in November.
Worried that your local bus route will be hit by strikes? Here’s what you need to know about the industrial action, including the dates and full list of affected routes.
When are London bus drivers going on strike?
There are two weekends that are set to be hit by strikes:
- December 12 and 13
- January 8 and 9
Which bus routes will be affected by strikes?
The following services are set to be impacted by the walk-outs:
- 97
- 58
- 86
- 135
- 236
- 276
- 308
- 339
- 488
- D8
- W13
- W14
- 678
Why are bus drivers going on strike?
A total of 350 drivers will walk out, with Unite alleging that Lea Interchange Bus Company has been engaging in union busting, bullying and aggressive behaviour. Unite says that union reps are being targeted for undertaking trade union activities.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘Unite will never stand idly by when an employer uses union busting and bullying tactics.
‘Management at the depot must change tack or face disruptive action. Unite members at the Lea Interchange Bus Company have the union’s full support.’
A spokesperson for Stagecoach responded to the call for strikes: ‘We utterly refute the allegations made by Unite of union busting and bullying. All employees are held to the same standards of behaviour, regardless of their role, and any allegations of misconduct are handled in line with our established policies and procedures.
‘It is disappointing the situation has reached this point, but we value our ongoing relationship with Unite and remain committed to resolving any concerns through the proper channels. Our priority continues to be delivering a safe and reliable bus service for our customers, and we will work to minimise any disruption.’
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