London bus strike begins again as 1,500 drivers walk out over sweltering working conditions after rejecting deal

More than 1,500 drivers resumed industrial action on Tuesday over sweltering conditions in their cabs during the recent heatwaves. The latest strike began at 4am on Tuesday and is due to continue until 4.30am on Friday.Drivers have argued that temperatures in their cabs can reach a sweltering 40C, putting them at risk of fatigue and heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.Union Unite said most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems, rather than air conditioning, which only managed to reduce temperatures by around two or three degrees during the recent series of heatwaves. Buses in Stratford as drivers strikeSuppliedUnite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “London bus drivers do a vital job, but are putting themselves at risk due to these appalling conditions.“Arriva can fully afford to make meaningful changes our members can accept. Until that happens, strike action will continue and our members at Arriva North London will continue to have the full backing of Unite.”Drivers at the Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green garages are taking part in the latest round of strikes having previously walked out on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15. Unite regional officer Steven Stockwell said: “There is still time for Arriva to stop this disruptive action, but it relies on it coming back to the table with a deal our members believe will solve the serious problems with conditions once and for all.”Read MoreThe remaining walkout dates are:August: 25 to 28 September: 4 to 5, 7 to 8, 18 to 19, and 21 to 22 October: 2 to 3, 5 to 6, 16 to 17, and 19 to 20 Arriva has said the wellbeing of its staff and customers is its “top priority”, adding it has added extra welfare checks and cooling breaks during hot weather and is collaborating with Transport for London to roll out upgraded air conditioning on newer fleet buses.