London Bus Strike: What You Need to Know

Bus passengers in London have been warned to expect “little to no service” on several routes as 350 drivers and other staff go on strike over pay. The action began with a 24-hour walkout starting at 5am on Friday, which was then followed by a 48-hour strike beginning at 5am today. Transport for London (TfL) said that services on the affected routes will likely be severely disrupted.

The Reason Behind the Strike

The strike involves members of the Unite union, who say it was triggered by a pay offer below the rate of inflation and represents an escalation in the ongoing dispute with management. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, criticised First Bus, stating: “This is disgraceful behaviour from a company making millions from London bus passengers. It shows a complete disregard for its workers and the hard work they do every day. Our members won’t stand for it, and Unite will fully support them against a company with a history of anti-worker behaviour.”

First Bus Response

First Bus, however, defended its offer, claiming it included an above-inflation pay rise plus back pay. A spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that talks with Unite have broken down despite our continued efforts to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, including an above-inflation pay offer with full back pay for all employees.” Unite reports that over 350 London Transit employees have turned down the pay proposal, having previously staged a four-day strike earlier this year.

When are the Strikes Happening?

The latest strike started this morning (November 17) at 5am and will continue for 48-hours. This is to be followed by a 72-hour strike the following week, beginning at 5am on Wednesday November 26 and running until early on Saturday November 29.

Which Routes are Impacted?

A TfL spokesperson said the strike action will impact seven bus routes. The following bus routes run from Westbourne Park garage (part of First Bus London Transit) and are expected to experience very limited or no service during the strike.

These routes include:

• Runs from North Finchley through Finchley Road, Swiss Cottage, Baker Street, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, and Victoria.
• Starts around Westbourne Park, runs via Ladbroke Grove, Paddington, Marble Arch, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, and ends at Aldwych.
• Connects White City / Notting Hill / Westbourne Park / Camden Town, passing through areas like Notting Hill Gate, Maida Hill, and Swiss Cottage.
• The night-time version of route 31, covering similar areas between Camden Town, Kilburn, Notting Hill Gate, Chelsea, and Clapham Junction.
• Runs between Hammersmith and North Acton, covering Acton Vale and other west London neighbourhoods.
• Connects Ladbroke Grove (near Sainsbury’s) to Hammersmith and Fulham Broadway, continuing to Clapham Junction.
• Travels from Ladbroke Grove through Knightsbridge, Battersea Park, Wandsworth Road, and Vauxhall.

What This Means for Passengers

Passengers are advised to check the TfL website or social media for updates on the strike and to plan their journeys in advance. There may be alternative routes or modes of transport available, and passengers are encouraged to explore these options. The strike is expected to cause significant disruption to bus services, and passengers should be prepared for delays and cancellations.

Conclusion

The London bus strike is a significant disruption to the city’s transport network, and passengers are advised to be prepared for delays and cancellations. The strike is the result of a dispute between the Unite union and First Bus over pay, and it is unclear when the issue will be resolved. Passengers can stay up to date with the latest information on the TfL website or social media, and plan their journeys in advance to minimize disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the London bus strike:

• Q: Which bus routes are affected by the strike? A: Seven bus routes that run from Westbourne Park garage are affected by the strike, including routes 31, 52, 70, 228, 295, 316, and N31.
• Q: When does the strike start and end? A: The latest strike started on November 17 at 5am and will continue for 48-hours. A 72-hour strike will follow the next week, starting on November 26 at 5am and ending on November 29.
• Q: What is the reason for the strike? A: The strike is the result of a dispute between the Unite union and First Bus over pay. The union says that the pay offer is below the rate of inflation, while First Bus claims that the offer includes an above-inflation pay rise plus back pay.
• Q: How can I get around during the strike? A: Passengers are advised to check the TfL website or social media for updates on the strike and to plan their journeys in advance. There may be alternative routes or modes of transport available, and passengers are encouraged to explore these options.
• Q: Will the strike affect other modes of transport? A: The strike is expected to only affect bus services, and other modes of transport such as the Tube, Overground, and DLR should operate as normal.