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Train drivers on the London Underground have been striking since April – but they aren’t the only transport workers in the capital who’re walking out at the mo. Bus drivers in east London have been walking out since March as part of an ongoing dispute.
Do you rely on buses to get out and about in east London? Watch out, you might have to navigate strike action. Eight bus routes will be impacted by strikes.
The strikes are part of an ongoing dispute between bus drivers – represented by Unite – and the East London Bus & Coach Company, which is part of Stagecoach. A total of 300 drivers will walk out, with Unite alleging that drivers at the Bow garage are suffering from fatigue due to long-distance shifts without adequate breaks. The strikes follow walk-outs in March, April and May.
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?
Drivers are striking on two occasions:
- May 27-29
- June 11-14
Which bus routes will be affected by strikes?
The following services are set to be impacted by walk-outs.
- 8
- 25
- 205
- 425
- N8
- N25
- N205
However, TfL anticipates that the 25 and 425 will run a ‘near normal’ service throughout most of the strike days.
Route 8 will run a reduced 12-minute service between Bow Church and Shoreditch, the 205 will be running a reduced 20-minute service between Bow Church and Liverpool Street, and the N8 is at usual frequency between Hainault and Liverpool Street.
The N25 is expected to run as normal.
Why are bus drivers going on strike?
A total of 300 drivers will walk out, with Unite saying that the dispute is over fatigue. Drivers at the Bow bus garage are allegedly being made to cover long distances without adequate breaks, while not having sufficient time to recuperate between shifts. Unite says this can not only cause fatigue, but increases the risk of accidents.
What’s been said about the bus strikes?
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘Our members are raising legitimate concerns with Stagecoach about fatigue, which is not only putting them at risk but the general public too – yet they are being ignored.
“It is high time Stagecoach treats this problem with the seriousness it deserves, rather than pushing forward with these dangerous rotas. Our members at Stagecoach have our full support.’
A Stagecoach spokesperson said: ‘We remain willing to continue discussions with union representatives.
‘Fatigue is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, of which hours of work are only one element. We are industry leaders in having a fatigue policy and action plan in place to safeguard our people. There is no reason for any driver to work while fatigued - they are encouraged to speak up if they are not safe to drive, both before and during duties, and are not financially penalised for doing so. Safety remains our priority.’
A TfL spokesperson said: ‘We encourage both parties to find a solution to this dispute and we’re sorry for any disruption to people’s journeys.’
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