London could be hit by major disruption as bus drivers vote on strike action

London bus drivers will be voting on whether to call for strike action in the coming weeks.

The ballot comes in a dispute over pay and conditions as union Unite said around 1,600 of its members employed by London United will vote in the coming weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action.

The union said the drivers, who work on services across south, west and central London, have rejected a 4% pay offer which it described as a real-terms pay cut.

London United is part of the French state-owned RATP Group, which Unite shared had a turnover of €6.5 billion in 2023.

London bus drivers to vote on strike action

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are sick and tired of their employer trying to suppress their pay. RATP Group brings in billions but is offering London United drivers a real-terms pay cut on top of putting forward working conditions that are not fit for purpose.

“Unite is offering maximum support to our members at London United.”

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: “London United will be directly responsible for any disruption caused to bus services in South, West and Central London.

"The company could have easily put forward a fair deal months ago but has refused to do so.

"There is still time to avoid strike action, but London United must table an offer our members can accept.”

The ballot for strike action opened this week and will close on 22 July.

Previously, London bus workers in the control rooms were set to strike in early May, affecting largely the south west region.

However, days before action was meant to be taken, the strikes were called off as workers received a new pay offer and agreed to vote on the offer instead of going ahead with action.