Strikes by Lea Interchange Bus Company drivers will take place on two days this month.
This “disruptive” industrial action due to reported bullying and union busting behaviour, as said by Unite, will now see drivers walk out on January 9 and 10. The strikes were due to take place on January 8 and 9.
Travel delays and cancellations are expected to affect several popular services, including the 97, which runs from Chingford and Westfield Stratford City, as well as others across north east London.
These are:
- 97 ( between Chingford to Stratford)
- 58 (runs between East Ham to Walthamstow)
- 135 (runs between Crossharbour to Old Street)
- 236 (runs between Finsbury Park to Hackney Wick)
- 276 (runs between Newham to Stoke Newington)
- 308 (runs between Wanstead to Clapton)
- 339 (runs between Leytonstone to Shadwell)
- 488 (runs between Dalston Junction to Bromley-by-Bow)
- D8 (runs between Stratford to Isle of Dogs)
- W13 (runs between Leyton Mills to Woodford)
- W14 (runs between Hainault to Loughton)
- 678 (runs between Upton Park to Beckton)
- 86 (runs between Stratford and Romford)
Unite representatives at the affected depot, located in Leyton, East London, claim they have been subjected to aggressive behaviour since a change in management a few months ago.
A statement from the union noted that one rep was suspended, later dismissed and then reinstated, while another has been suspended on ‘trumped-up charges.’
The union believes these reps are being targeted for undertaking trade union activities, which goes against employment law.
Noting full union support for the action, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite will never stand idly by when an employer uses union busting and bullying tactics.”
Following a 98 per cent vote by Unite members to strike, drivers will walk out on the two days.
The Lea Interchange bus company is part of Stagecoach London, which operates the services from the Lea Interchange garage on behalf of Transport for London (TfL).
A TfL spokesperson said: “Strike action is expected to impact 13 bus routes, however, the vast majority of London’s bus network will still operate as planned on these days. Some local bus routes in the east and northeast areas 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.”
