London commuters faced a cold and wet walk to work today as bus drivers stage a 24-hour strike.
The bus companies which will be affected by the strike include Abellio, Arriva, CT Plus, Go Ahead, London Sovereign, London United, Metroline, Stagecoach and Tower Transit.
According to TfL the 406, 411 and 418 buses from Kingston, the S3 from Sutton Hospital, the 470 from Colliers Wood Station, the K5 from Ham and the X26 from West Croydon won’t be affected.
The dispute stems from union officials’ desire for all drivers to be paid the same wage.
Unite regional officer Wayne King said: “TfL should be playing a constructive role in facilitating a resolution to the dispute with London’s 18 bus operators, who despite our tireless efforts over two years are refusing to talk collectively about ending pay inequality.
“The current situation is unsustainable. Just as you wouldn’t employ police officers on different rates of pay across London neither should you with bus drivers.
“Our members know it as do passengers, that’s why two thirds think London’s bus drivers should be paid the same for doing the same work.
“Passengers should also be clear that this isn’t a political dispute, it’s an industrial one.”
In contrast to tube drivers, there isn’t one collective pay deal for bus drivers in the capital, whose pay is currently negotiated on a company by company.
Picture courtesy of Paul Robertson, with thanks
