Overview
- The strike, which begins Friday, August 14, will take place on 26 dates through October and is expected to leave 42 routes with little or no service in north and east London and parts of Essex.
- Unite says the dispute is about safety not pay, arguing most Arriva buses use weaker 'air‑cooling' systems that only lower temperatures by a few degrees while driver cabs can reach about 40°C.
- Drivers have reported cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration and suspected heat stroke this summer and say they feel pressured to keep services running despite the risks.
- Arriva says it has introduced short-term protections, is investing in cab air‑conditioning upgrades and new fleet, and is ready to meet Unite to seek a resolution.
- TfL has warned passengers to expect disruption on affected routes, noted some strike days overlap with planned Piccadilly line works, and urged both sides to negotiate a settlement to limit travel chaos.