Central and south London bus drivers to strike for three days over ‘pathetic pay’ offer

Bus drivers are to strike for three days this month - causing disruption for commuters in central and south London - over a “pathetic pay” offer from operator Arriva.

The first 24-hour strike will take place on Monday March 21 and a further 48 hour strike is scheduled over March 28 and 29.

Routes across south and central London will be affected.

Unite the Union drivers are striking over a pay offer of 1.5% from Arriva which they say is a “sizeable pay cut with inflation currently standing at 7.8%”.

Around 1,000 drivers employed at depots in Brixton, Croydon, Norwood and Thornton Heath will take part in the walkouts.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Arriva’s pay offer is pathetic and it is an insult to bus drivers who continued to work throughout the pandemic risking their health to ensure London could continue to function.

“Our bus drivers at Arriva will have Unite’s full support until the company makes a realistic pay offer and this dispute is resolved.”

Unite regional officer John Murphy said: “The strikes will cause considerable disruption to bus passengers throughout London and Kent but this dispute is entirely of Arriva’s own making. Arriva has had every chance to make a fair pay offer but has chosen not to do so.

“Even at this late stage delays and disruption across London can be avoided if Arriva is prepared to make a realistic pay offer and returns to the negotiating table.”

A spokesperson for Arriva said: “Arriva London Bus is disappointed by the decision of Unite to announce strike action.

“We are fully committed to finding a way forward with our trade union partners, but any agreement must be affordable and recognise the economic pressures.

“A strike would hit customers and communities who need to be able to rely on public transport, at a time when London is rebuilding from the pandemic.

“We urge Unite to return to negotiations and call off the proposed strike action.”