A planned strike by 1,500 London bus drivers has been called off after an agreement was reached to fit air conditioning units in buses. This deal, involving Arriva London and the Unite union, aims to improve working conditions for drivers who have faced extreme heat in their cabs. Currently, most buses only have air cooling systems, which are insufficient during heatwaves.
Under the new agreement, all Arriva London North buses will be fitted with air conditioning by May 2027. Additionally, drivers will only be required to operate a bus for 35 minutes if the air conditioning is not functioning, a significant reduction from previous expectations. This change is expected to enhance safety and comfort for drivers, especially during the summer months.
Despite the agreement, Unite has retained the option for future strikes to ensure compliance with the commitments made. The union’s leadership views this as a landmark victory, emphasizing the importance of collective action in securing better working conditions.
Arriva London has expressed its commitment to the wellbeing of both drivers and passengers, indicating that they will continue to collaborate with Transport for London to address climate-related challenges affecting public transport.
Source: LBC News
