Air con for all

Following news earlier this week that strike action by Unite members at Arriva North London had resulted in a groundbreaking deal that included improvements to driver conditions, Unite has today (09 September) announced details of an expanded deal for all London bus drivers.

As a result of months of campaigning work around hot weather, Unite has secured an agreement for major improvements to working conditions for London’s bus drivers.

This agreement means that Transport for London (TfL) and the capital’s bus operators have now committed to fitting all London bus driver cabs with air conditioning by May 2027.

At present, most London buses have cheaper and largely ineffective air cooling systems which take air from outside and circulate it around and can only lower temperatures by two or three degrees during heatwaves.

This summer, London experienced a record-breaking 40 days where the weather exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. Unite members working as bus drivers spoke out about the impact this had on their health, suffering problems including heatstroke, dehydration and fatigue as the temperatures inside their cabs rose to highs of 50 degrees. With some having to stop in service as they couldn’t physically continue.

The plans were agreed by the extreme weather taskforce, where Unite has been negotiating alongside TfL, London’s bus operators and the Greater London Authority since earlier this summer.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Inadequate cooling systems in buses have left bus drivers having to endure appalling conditions this summer.

“This concession from TfL is an important win in Unite’s campaign to improve conditions for bus drivers in London and beyond. “Unite will continue to fight for all bus workers to be kept safe and to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Cabs will now also be fitted with UV protective film to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Unite regional officer Nadine Edwards said: “Unite is pleased that there is finally a commitment for meaningful change and it is the culmination of a lot of hard work and campaigning by drivers.

“However, after years of false promises from the bus companies and TfL, Unite will ensure these changes are actually implemented in the timeframe that has been agreed. We will not allow bus drivers to suffer through another hot summer.”

Speaking in the Evening Standard following the news Lord Sadiq Khan said he was “very pleased” that TfL had reached the “ground-breaking agreement” to provide air conditioning.

“This is personal to me. I know just what a vital role London’s hard-working bus drivers play in keeping the capital moving around the clock.

“I want to thank our bus drivers for all their work keeping London moving during this unprecedented summer of heat.

“It’s great news that TfL have reached this historic agreement to provide air conditioning in every single bus cab.

“We need to look after our customers and our workers.

“As long as I am Mayor, TfL will continue working closely with operators and drivers to deliver further improvements, ensuring London’s bus network remains a safe and supportive place to work for every bus driver, as we build a fairer, safer London for all.”

On social media the TUC welcomed the move saying “This is a huge win for driver and passenger safety!”

The win was the result of the Unite Fight Fatigue Now! campaign and you can find more about it here.

By Keith Hatch

Photo by Mark Thomas