Bus strike: South London drivers to go on three-day strike over pay dispute

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
There will be an initial one-day strike on Wednesday May 11, and a 48-hour strike from Monday, May 16.

South London bus drivers are set to take part in a further series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay.

Around 1,000 Arriva bus drivers at Croydon, Brixton, Norwood and Thornton Heath garages will not sign on for their shifts for three days in May.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
South London bus drivers are set to take part in a further series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay. Photo: GettySouth London bus drivers are set to take part in a further series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay. Photo: Getty
South London bus drivers are set to take part in a further series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay. Photo: Getty | AFP via Getty Images

Drivers have been offered a 3% pay rise by Arriva which Unite say is “unacceptable” as inflation is currently at around 8%.

But the offer is double the initial 1.5%  Arriva put forward prior to the first round of strikes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Sharon GrahamSharon Graham
Sharon Graham

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This pay offer is simply unacceptable.

“Arriva’s drivers are being pummeled by a double whammy of reduced earnings and rising living costs.

"Arriva must think again and pay its drivers a fair wage.

"Our members will be receiving Unite’s complete support until this dispute is resolved and the bus drivers receive an offer which meets their expectations."

While Unite regional officer John Murphy added: "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."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An Arriva spokesperson said the firm was "deeply disappointed" by the strike action.

"Arriva London Bus previously agreed with Unite a pay deal which fully delivered against the union’s stated position," the spokesperson said.

"Yet despite this, Unite is now taking further strike action which will affect passengers and communities who rely on bus services in London.

"We call on Unite to abandon these strikes and return to discussions to agree a way forward."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice