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

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.

It follows a two day strike that took place at the end of March.

Unite the Union said there will be an initial one-day strike on Wednesday, May 11, followed by a 48-hour strike beginning on Monday, May 16.

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.

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."

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."