Bus drivers in London are set to be balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Unite, which represents more than 20,000 drivers at numerous bus companies in the capital, said its members will start voting soon, threatening action in the new year.
Issues include pay, access to toilet and rest facilities, and concerns about driver fatigue.
Unite officer John Murphy said: “Bus workers are coming under attack on pay and conditions from bus operators throughout London.
“As well as insulting pay offers, which are real-terms cuts, there is the proposal to roll out remote sign on, tear up contracts with guaranteed hours and replace them with zero hour contracts.
“Unite has been attempting to resolve these matters via negotiation but this has currently been unsuccessful.
“Unite is now beginning the process of balloting members for industrial action and this will ramp up in the new year. If members vote in favour, strike action could begin this winter.
“Bus drivers only take industrial action as a last resort, as they realise the huge disruption it will cause passengers across London.
“However, drivers feel very strongly that they are described as heroes on the one hand but the only thanks they are receiving is pay cuts and attacks on their conditions.”
