Bus services in London are set to be disrupted today as bus drivers take industrial action against “unfair” pay disparities.
TfL has confirmed that Abellio, Arriva, CT Plus, Go Ahead, London Sovereign, London United Metroline, Stagecoach and Tower Transit are all likely to be affected by the strike which will begin at 4am on Tuesday.
Students at UAL are already considering alternatives to their usual commute.
One LCC student who wishes not to be named said: “I am going to take the Tube. I won’t have cell phone signal for 15 minutes – that’s how it’s going to change my day.” Fellow student R.B. mentioned she would have to take a taxi in order to make it in time to class.
Unite, which represents 27,000 bus workers working for 18 bus companies across Greater London, explained in an early statement that the strike had been called after bus operators refused to address issues leading to “pay gaps of over £3 an hour for new starters opening up, with pay varying from £9.30 to £12.34 an hour depending on the company.”
Wayne King, London’s regional officer for Unite said: “The blame for the disruption that strike action will cause sits squarely with London’s bus companies.”
TfL has assured commuters that “customers with a bus and tram pass season ticket will be able to use it on the Tube, DLR and London Overground services.”
Services are expected to return to normal across London on Wednesday morning.
Image by Martin Cervenansky
