Bus services in the capital are set for more disruption today due to a driver strike over pay.

London United is locked in a dispute with transport group RATP, claiming the Covid-19 pandemic as cover to slash the pay and conditions of drivers.

Unite Union says drivers face cuts in pay of £2,500 per annum, cutting pay to 2015 rates, with workers expected to work far longer for the lower pay rates.

Wandsworth Times:

Drivers are striking today (March 17) and the following two Wednesdays (March 24 and 31).

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: “Bus drivers at RATP are resolved that attacks on their pay and conditions will be abandoned and that they will secure a meaningful pay rise.

 “It is simply disgraceful that RATP is using the cover of Covid-19 to try to force through these cuts. 

 “London’s bus drivers have kept the city moving through successive lockdowns but have also suffered a terrible penalty, through very high numbers of Covid deaths, as a result of their dedication and sacrifice.

 “This strike action is being taken as a last resort. This dispute is a direct result of RATP failing to treat its workers reasonably and fairly.

 “RATP is attempting to boost its profits by cutting workers’ pay, either directly or in real terms.

 “Further strike action can still be avoided and Unite is prepared to enter into negotiations to resolve this dispute at any time.”

Quality Line and London Sovereign, two more RATP London subsidiaries that had been planning to strike tomorrow (17 March), are no longer taking part in today’s strike action.

They will be however on March 24 and 31.

Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director of public transport service planning, said: "We will do everything possible to reduce the disruption if this strike action goes ahead, but customers who need to travel should again check before they travel and allow more time for their journeys.”

London United operates depots in South and West London and the strikes will affect buses operating from Fulwell, Hounslow, Park Royal, Shepherd’s Bush and Tolworth.

The following routes are affected today:

Day Routes: 18, 33, 65, 70, 71, 72, 100, 11,116, 203, 216, 223, 224, 265, 266, 283, 371, 406, 411, 418, 419, 423, 440, 465, C1, H22, H32, H37, H98, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S3.

School Routes: 613, 662, 665, 671, 681, 696, 697,

Night Routes: N18, N33, N65, N72, N66.

24 Hour Routes: 148, 220, 281, 111, 85, 94.