London bus drivers employed by Arriva are to take part in further strikes next month in a dispute over pay.
The strikes involve 1,000 drivers who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, and based at garages in Brixton, Croydon, Norwood and Thornton Heath. The drivers operate routes across south and central London.
There will be an initial one day strike on Wednesday 11 May and this will then be followed by a 48 hour strike beginning on Monday 16 May.
Service reductions in the capital have reduced the workers’ earnings. They are also suffering the same cost of living crisis as other workers, rendering the company’s three per cent offer substandard.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This pay offer is simply unacceptable. Arriva’s drivers are being pummelled by a double-whammy of reduced earnings and rising living costs. Arriva must think again and pay its drivers a fair wage.
“Our members at Arriva will be receiving Unite’s complete support until this dispute is resolved and the bus drivers receive an offer which meets their expectations.”
An initial 48 hour bus strike was held last month in the dispute. It had been hoped that further stoppages could be avoided by Arriva making an improved offer but this has not been forthcoming.
Unite regional officer John Murphy said: “The bus strikes scheduled for May will undoubtedly cause disruption and delays across London but this dispute is a direct result of Arriva’s high-handed treatment of its drivers.
“Further strikes can still be avoided provided that Arriva returns to the negotiating table and makes an improved offer that members find acceptable.”
