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Do you rely on buses to get out and about in east London? Watch out, next month you might have to navigate strike action. Over a dozen bus routes will be impacted by two 48-hour strikes in February.
The newly announced strikes are part of an ongoing dispute between bus drivers and the Lea Interchange Bus Company, which is part of Stagecoach. A total of 350 drivers will walk out, with Unite alleging that union representatives have been bullied by management and been the target of ‘aggressive behaviour’. Unite says that the reps are being targeted for undertaking union activities, which would be against UK employment law. A Stagecoach London spokesperson said the company ‘strongly refute’ the allegations.
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 at the Lea Interchange Bus Company:
- February 6 and 7
- February 20 and 21
Which bus routes will be affected by strikes?
The following services are set to be impacted by walk-outs on Dec 12-13 and Jan 8-9
- 58
- 86
- 97
- 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. Unite alleges that Lea Interchange Bus Company has been engaging in bullying and aggressive behaviour. Unite says that union reps are being targeted for undertaking trade union activities.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘These strikes could be avoided, but it relies on management changing tack. Unite will never stand by and allow reps to be bullied and workers at the Lea Interchange Bus Company have our full support throughout this dispute.’
Unite regional officer John Murphy said: ‘We appreciate it is frustrating for passengers to hear of more strikes, but this dispute is completely the fault of the employer who has failed to come forward with a plan to resolve this problem.
"Previous strikes showed a lot of unity between drivers and they will continue to show solidarity towards their colleagues who have been unfairly targeted. Instead of continuing to bully Unite members, management must come back with a clear plan to resolve the issue in order to stop further disruption to bus services.’
A spokesperson for Stagecoach responded: ‘We strongly refute Unite’s allegations of union victimisation or bullying and recognise the important role of our recognised trade union.
‘We would not tolerate victimisation of union representatives for carrying out their duties.
‘Any disciplinary matters are handled through long-established, trade union-agreed procedures that apply equally to all employees and include the right to representation and appeal.
‘We have made extensive efforts to resolve this matter, including agreeing to independent mediation, and remain open to further dialogue.
“Our priority is to do everything possible to minimise disruption and continue providing a safe, reliable service for our customers during the strike action.’
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