1,500 Arriva bus drivers strike on 14 August over cab temperatures
Unite members say air-cooling systems reduce heat by only two or three degrees during heatwaves
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More than 1,500 bus drivers employed by Arriva North London will walk out for 24 hours on 14 August, disrupting 42 bus routes across north and east London. The strike marks the first in a series of planned industrial actions over the next two months, with Unite, the trade union representing the drivers, warning of significant delays and cancellations.
Why drivers are striking
North London bus drivers resume strike over cab cooling
Over 1,500 Unite members will walk out intermittently until late October due to heat-related safety concerns.
Unite members claim Arriva has failed to address complaints about working conditions during heatwaves. Drivers report that air-cooling systems in buses reduce cab temperatures by only two or three degrees, with some cabs reaching 40°C on the hottest days. The union argues these conditions risk heat exhaustion, dehydration and impaired concentration, endangering both drivers and passengers.
The affected garages include Edmonton, Enfield, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. Routes impacted by the strikes include the 19, 29, 34, SL1, W3 and N29, as well as several school services. A full list of affected routes is available on the Transport for London (TfL) website.
“Time and time again drivers have complained to Arriva North London about working in dangerous conditions but the company has failed to act which is completely unacceptable.”
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary
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TfL response and further strikes
TfL, which commissions bus services from Arriva, said it is working on measures to improve driver working conditions and vehicle safety. A spokesperson told the Enfield Dispatch that all reports from drivers are fully investigated and that operators should not take action against staff raising welfare concerns.
Further strikes are scheduled for 18-21 August, 25-28 August, 4-5 September, 7-8 September, 18-19 September, 21-22 September, 2-3 October, 5-6 October, 16-17 October and 19-20 October. Some of these dates overlap with planned closures on the Piccadilly Line, which may compound travel disruption across the affected areas.
What happens next
Unite has not indicated whether further negotiations with Arriva are planned before the next strike dates. Drivers and passengers are advised to check TfL’s strike information page for real-time updates on service disruptions. The dispute remains unresolved, with no formal talks confirmed between the union and Arriva as of 13 August.
Questions this report answers
+Which bus routes will be affected by the strikes?
The strikes will disrupt 42 bus routes, including the 19, 29, 34, SL1, W3 and N29. A full list is available on the Transport for London website. Passengers should check for updates before travelling on strike days.
+Why are Arriva bus drivers striking?
Drivers are striking over working conditions during heatwaves. Unite claims air-cooling systems in buses reduce cab temperatures by only two or three degrees, with some cabs reaching 40°C. The union says this risks heat exhaustion and impaired driving.
+When are the next strike dates?
The next strikes are planned for 14 August, followed by 18-21 August, 25-28 August, and several dates in September and October. Some coincide with Piccadilly Line closures, which may increase travel disruption.
+What is Transport for London doing about the dispute?
Transport for London says it is working on measures to improve driver working conditions and vehicle safety. It has committed to investigating all driver reports and ensuring fair work schedules and safe vehicles.
Barnet Press News Desk
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