London Bus Drivers Strike Over Extreme Heat Conditions
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London Bus Drivers Strike Over Extreme Heat Conditions
- More than 1,500 bus drivers in North London initiated strike action on August 14, 2026, protesting dangerous working conditions caused by extreme heat, with temperatures in some bus cabs exceeding 40°C.
- The Unite union, representing the striking Arriva North London drivers, highlights that many buses lack proper air conditioning, instead relying on less effective air-cooling systems.
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Over 1,500 bus drivers employed by Arriva North London began a series of walkouts on Friday, August 14, 2026, in response to what they describe as dangerous working conditions due to extreme heat. These drivers, based at eight garages across North and East London and Essex, are scheduled to take 15 days of action over the next three months.
Temperatures inside bus cabs have reportedly surpassed 40°C this summer, with some drivers sharing images of 45°C readings. This is attributed to many buses being equipped with air-cooling systems rather than full air conditioning, which only reduce temperatures by a few degrees. Drivers have reported experiencing heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and fatigue, raising concerns for both their health and passenger safety.
The Unite union has indicated that a 96% strike vote demonstrates the strong sentiment among its members. While London Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly supported drivers’ right to refuse to drive if a bus is too hot, and Transport for London (TfL) has stated that operators will not be penalized for lost mileage due to faulty air conditioning, drivers allege that strict mileage rules were maintained during other amber heat health warnings. This has led to accusations that bus operators are pressured to keep drivers working in unsafe conditions.
The UK currently lacks a legal maximum working temperature, a point that the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and other organizations have campaigned to change, proposing a limit of 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous jobs. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers to manage heat as a workplace hazard, suggesting measures like flexible working, increased breaks, and providing cold drinks.