More than 1,500 bus drivers across eight garages are set to strike in a dispute over working conditions during hot weather.
Members of Unite employed by Arriva North London will walk out on several dates between mid-August and October, with major disruption expected to bus services across north London and parts of Essex.
The union says most Arriva North London buses are fitted with air cooling systems rather than air conditioning, leaving drivers exposed to unbearable temperatures during periods of extreme heat.
Unite claims some drivers have worked in cab temperatures exceeding 40C, resulting in cases of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
While drivers have been told they can take breaks when needed, many feel under pressure to keep services running for the sake of passengers.
The dispute comes as London experiences another summer of high temperatures, with heatwaves placing pressure on the capital's ageing transport infrastructure.
Unite is calling on Arriva to improve working conditions to better protect drivers during extreme heat.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Time and time again drivers have complained to Arriva North London about working in dangerous conditions but the company has failed to act which is completely unacceptable.
"A profitable company such as Arriva could easily invest in improving conditions for its drivers and protecting the general public but is instead prioritising greed. We will back our members all the way in this dispute.”
A TfL spokesperson said: "Strike action is expected to impact local bus routes in north and some central London areas, however, the majority of London's bus network will still operate as planned on these days.
“Some bus routes may be busier than normal. We encourage customers who are affected to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app. We encourage both parties to find a solution to this dispute and we're sorry for any disruption to people's journeys."
Where in London is affected by bus strikes and what routes?
Exact bus route affected have not been released by the union.
Drivers involved in the dispute are based at the following stations where disruption is likely.
• Barking
• Edmonton
• Enfield
• Grays
What dates are the strikes taking place?
August 14 and 15
August 18 to 21
August 25 to 28
September 4 to 5
September 7 to 8
September 18 to 19
September 21 to 22
October 2 to 3
October 5 to 6
October 16 to 17
October 19 to 20
Services may be delayed or cancelled during strike days and some of the planned dates are taking place at the same time as closures on the Piccadilly Line in August and September.
Wasim Mohammed, Arriva London’s managing director said: "We take the welfare of our drivers seriously, and understand the impact of this extreme weather on them.
"We are working closely with Transport for London to support both our colleagues and customers during these hot spells. We've introduced short-term measures to protect drivers, and we're investing in longer-term fixes, including cab air conditioning upgrades and our ongoing investment in new fleet.
"We remain ready to sit down with Unite at any time to discuss these important issues and find a resolution that avoids both strike action and the disruption it would cause to customers."
Transport for London has been contacted for comment.
