You should have noticed bus routes 70, 72, C1, 24-hour routes 94 and 148 and night route N72, have not been operating in West Central for the last three days. Strike action has been taken because of a dispute at Shepherds Bush Bus garage and other London bus garages in a row over pay and conditions.
More than 2,000 members of the Unite union who are employed by French-owned RATP have taken action since Monday. RATP operates three subsidiaries across the London bus network, London United, London Sovereign and Quality Line.
Unite officer Michelle Braveboy said terms and conditions are being “attacked”, with some drivers facing a pay cut of £2,500 a year. She also acknowledged that the strikes will cause “serious disruption” to service.
Ms Braveboy added further “Our members have no option other than to fight back against these attacks, while recognising the disruption caused.They are reluctant to take strike action at a time of national emergency, but feel they have been pushed against the wall.”
So its all very well calling bus drivers key and essential workers and our hero’s during a pandemic who have seen numerous drivers amongst their ranks die of COVID19 during the lockdowns. Yet their terms and condition for employment need improving, giving them and their families a decent standard of living. That is why l joined them yesterday at their protest in front of the Shepherds Bush Bus Garage to show them some solidarity.