Unite hails hot bus win as drivers no longer have to ‘sweat it out’

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Around 1,500 Union members at Arriva North London walked out last month over the dispute.

They were poised to strike again today but the action was called off after they voted to accept a new deal when Arriva and Transport for London confirmed they will fit air conditioning to Arriva London North buses by May next year.

They will also no longer be expected to “carry on and sweat it out” if air-conditioning is not working on a diesel or hybrid bus.

Drivers will only need to complete 35 minutes of driving before the bus is stopped and returned to the respective garage.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite will leave no stone unturned to fight for workers. Thank you to all our members at Arriva North who stood together to achieve this landmark win.

“Unite is determined that the conditions of bus drivers are improved in London and beyond. We expect bus operators to treat workers with dignity and respect and will be ensuring that this happens.”

At present, most buses operated by Arriva London North have air-cooling systems that are only able to reduce temperatures by a few degrees during heatwaves, said the union.

This 35-minute rule will also apply to cold weather working, where previously drivers needed to be out for at least an hour.

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said: “This is an excellent win for our members, who stood together on picket lines to fight for and win an agreement that means that drivers are not simply expected to sweat it out.”

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