Bus drivers to walk out amid concerns over health problems caused by working in hot weather
The strikes by over 1,500 bus drivers in North London and Essex will resume next week after rejecting a deal from employers
Over 1,500 bus drivers in parts of London and Essex are set to resume after members rejected an offer from bosses.
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Employees considered the proposals from Arriva North London but decided they did not go far enough to address the problems caused by working in the hot weather.
Most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems rather than more effective air conditioning.
The industrial action by the Unite members had paused from 19 to 21 August following negotiations between the union and the employer.
The cooling system has reduced temperatures by around two or three degrees during the recent series of heatwaves, where driver cabs can reach 40 degrees and higher.
Workers say this has put drivers at risk of fatigue as well as causing some health problems, including heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "London bus drivers do a vital job, but are putting themselves at risk due to these appalling conditions.
"Arriva can fully afford to make meaningful changes our members can accept. Until that happens, strike action will continue and our members at Arriva North London will continue to have the full backing of Unite."
Drivers involved in the dispute are based at the following bus garages: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.
Industrial action last Friday (14 August) and Tuesday (18 August) led to delays and cancellations for over 40 bus routes in the capital.
Some of the planned strike dates are taking place at the same time as closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.
Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell added: "There is still time for Arriva to stop this disruptive action, but it relies on it coming back to the table with a deal our members believe will solve the serious problems with conditions once and for all.”