Are there any London bus strikes this week?

Transport strikes have had a major impact on those travelling in the last few months, with walkouts on buses, tubes and trains.

With unions warning the rail strikes could drag on for five years, buses and tubes become an even more vital way to get around London – especially as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union (RMT) has recently announced fresh train strikes. 

Rail strikes earlier this month disrupted many people’s plans, affecting the FA Cup final, Epsom Derby and England’s Test match at Lord’s, let alone the effect on those trying to get to and from work.

Meanwhile, airport employees and passport staff also took action.

So you may be wondering what lies in store for those travelling by bus. Will there be bus strikes this week?

Let’s find out.

Are buses on strike this week?

The good news is that the planned strike by Arriva North London has been suspended.

It was set to affect many bus routes in the area and beyond.

The move follows an improved pay offer.

Bus drivers were due to stage walkouts on June 20, 21, 27 and 28.

Unite union says: ‘Following extended pay talks the employer made an improved pay offer. As a gesture of goodwill, Unite suspended the industrial action while the drivers are balloted on the offer.’

Regional officer for Unite, Steve Stockwell, said: ‘From the outset Unite has been clear that Arriva could and should make an improved offer and that has proved to be the case.

‘It is now up to our members to decide if the offer is sufficient to meet their expectations.’

Could there be more bus strikes?

The simple answer is, yes.

Unite’s Steve Stockwell stressed that if the pay offer is rejected, the union will announce fresh industrial action.

Who is striking this week?

Around 150 bin workers employed by Suez in South Gloucestershire are continuing their ongoing strike action, from Monday, June 26 to Sunday July 9, 2023.

The workers voted to strike by 89% after rejecting an eight per cent pay offer from the company.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Suez is an extremely profitable company but is offering these workers a real terms pay cut during the worst cost of living crisis in generations.

‘Unite’s total focus on defending our members’ jobs, pay and conditions will ensure that Suez’s workforce have their union’s absolute support in fighting back against their employer’s greed.’

The long-running dispute involving security officers at Heathrow Airport which would have impacted this week has ended after workers voted to accept an improved pay offer.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: ‘We are pleased to confirm Unite members have voted to accept a two-year above-inflation pay deal, ending the current dispute and allowing the strikes to be called off.’

MORE : All strikes planned for July 2023 – from trains to junior doctors

MORE : Could there be more rail strikes in 2023? This is what the unions have said

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