Full Breakdown
London Bus Drivers Resume Strike Over Heat Conditions
8/25/2026, 9:35:20 PM
Background and Context
Unite members operating for Arriva North London have long complained about excessive cabin heat on the city’s buses. Drivers report that temperatures inside cabs often exceed 30 °C, and on several occasions have risen above 40 °C during this year’s record series of heatwaves. The union says the existing cooling systems only lower cabin temperatures by about 2 – 3 °C, leaving drivers at risk of fatigue, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration. Earlier in August, drivers at eight garages in north London and Essex began walkouts, prompting delays and cancellations on more than 40 bus routes.
Official Statements and Responses
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, argues that Arriva can afford to implement more effective cooling solutions and that the union will maintain strike action until satisfactory improvements are made. An Arriva spokesperson expressed disappointment that the strike is proceeding, stating that the company believes it has already met every demand and is continuing to seek feedback from Unite on the remaining concerns at three garages that voted to strike. Arriva also emphasized that safety and wellbeing remain its highest priority and noted that measures introduced this summer aim to help drivers cope with extreme heat while air-conditioning upgrades are being installed across its London fleet.
Data and Statistics
- Fleet size: 730 buses operated by Arriva North London.
- Union members on strike: approximately 1,500.
- Cab cooling effectiveness: reduces temperature by 2 – 3 °C.
- Heat exposure: cabin temperatures regularly above 30 °C; peaks above 40 °C recorded.
- Service impact: delays and cancellations on over 40 routes during earlier walkouts.
Upcoming Actions
The current strike runs for four days, from Tuesday through Friday, with additional stoppages planned for the coming weeks. Arriva, other transport operators and Unite are members of Transport for London’s extreme-weather taskforce, which is working on longer-term solutions. The union has announced eight further strike dates scheduled for September and October.
