London bus strike planned to disrupt commuter travel next week

Bus services throughout London could be severely disrupted if a planned 24-hour strike goes ahead next week. 

 

The strike, organised by Unite over pay disparity between the capital's 18 different operators, is scheduled to take place for 24 hours from 00:01am on Tuesday January 13. 

 

Unite claims that up to 27,000 workers will take part in the action after the operators refused to enter talks about adopting a single London-wide agreement to cover bus workers' pay, terms and conditions. 

 

Bus companies expected to be affected are: 

 

Unite's regional officer for London Wayne King said: “The blame for the disruption that strike action will cause sits squarely with London’s bus companies. They have repeatedly ignored our offers for collective talks and need to get their heads out of the sand and start negotiating meaningfully about ending pay inequality on London’s buses.”

 

“Strike action is not a step our members take lightly, but bus workers who keep London moving 24 hours a day, seven days a week, have had enough of pay inequality and unfair pay disparities.

 

Transport for London is putting together contingency plans “to keep London moving”. Customers with bus and tram season tickets will be able to use them on the Tube, DLR and London Overground. 

 

However, they will not be accepted on National Rail, Emirates Airline or MBNA Thames Clipper services. 

 

One day passes will not be accepted and refunds will not be given. Similarly, Bus Savers will not be accepted on alternative services.  

 

Pay as you go users will be charged according to the journey they take.