London bus drivers start 26 days of strike action over 'dangerously hot' working conditions as capital sees latest heatwave in record-breaking summer

By AIDAN RADNEDGE, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 10:11, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 10:29, 14 August 2026 London bus drivers have started 26 days of strike action in protest at 'dangerously hot' conditions during the record-breaking summer. More than 1,500 bus drivers working for Arriva London started industrial action today – with warnings of major transport delays and chaos across the coming months. The employees, who work at eight bus garages across north and east London and Essex, have walked out over what the Unite union says is Arriva's failure to improve working conditions during hot weather. Workers are complaining that buses don't have air-conditioning, and are instead reliant on 'cooling systems' which are less effective in the sweltering heatwaves that have hit the capital over the last few months.  Unite said the current systems only reduce temperatures by about two or three degrees, leaving conditions 'still unbearably hot for drivers and passengers'. Drought has been declared for all of Wales and almost three-quarters of England – and a sixth heatwave of the year saw temperatures pass 38C (100F) (100.4F).  It was confirmed this week the UK is on course for its hottest summer ever – with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat a record set only last year. Britain yesterday experienced its hottest day of the year so far and the fifth warmest on record as temperatures surged to 38.1C in Kew Gardens. Some 1,500 bus drivers are taking industrial action in London in protest at working conditions - Unite trade union members are seen here in Stamford Hill, north London A London bus driver takes a break in the shade during a heatwave in June this year It is the second time the UK has reached 38C (100.4F) this year – with the first being in Lingwood, Norfolk, when the mercury reached that mark on June 26. The only other time temperatures have reached 38C twice in a year was in 2022 when the UK recorded its hottest ever temperatures, the Met Office said.  The intense heat has made 2026 the first year on record to see three separate days where temperatures reached the 37C (99F) threshold, as well as the first year with four days at 36C or above, and extends 2026’s record-breaking run of days above 35C (95F). Supporting today's strike action, Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'The heatwave this week has caused even more problems for our members at Arriva North London, who have once again faced doing a demanding job in unbearable conditions. 'No worker should be made ill by their job. This problem is raised year after year and as the summers get hotter it can no longer be swept under the carpet. 'Arriva can afford to act on this serious issue, which puts both drivers and the general public at risk and it must make this a priority.' The industrial action being taken is by bus garage workers based at Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. As well as today and tomorrow, further strikes are planned for August 18 to August 21, August 25 to 28, September 4 and 5, September 7 and 8, September 18 and 19, September 21 and 22, October 2 and 3, October 5 and 6, October 16 and 17 and October 19 and 20.  Strikers have also been protesting outside Wood Green bus garage in north London More than 6,000 London buses have air cooling systems yet most lack air conditioning, according to Transport for London.  The walkouts between August 18 and 21 and from August 25 to 28, as well as some in September, come at the same time as planned closures for engineering works on London Underground's Piccadilly Line. Unite regional officer Steve Stockwell said: 'The high temperatures this week have created even more misery for drivers at Arriva North London, who have spent the whole summer struggling to work in dangerous conditions. 'They have raised concerns multiple times but these are not being listened to by management, so our members have no choice but to press ahead with this highly disruptive industrial action. 'Unite is willing to come back to the table, but that relies on Arriva North London management implementing meaningful changes so our drivers can do their jobs safely in hot weather.' Arriva London's managing director Mo Wasim said: 'Extreme heat is creating challenges across many sectors, including London's bus network. 'The wellbeing of our colleagues and customers is our top priority, and we are working closely with Transport for London to ensure appropriate support is in place. 'We have already introduced additional support for drivers during hot weather, including regular breaks and welfare checks - and are continuing to invest in long-term improvements, including upgraded air conditioning systems and new buses coming into our fleet.' He said these 'upgrades' were being led by TfL – while also adding: 'We urge Unite to come back to the negotiating table and engage with us constructively so we can avoid further disruption.' The Mayor of London's office has been approached for comment. A spokesman for the mayor Sir Sadiq Khan previously said in June: 'The mayor recognises the vital role of London's hard working bus drivers to keep the capital moving around the clock and he is committed to continually improving working conditions. 'The mayor is in close contact with TfL during the heatwave and has asked that they work with bus operators to put in place more support for drivers. 'This is in addition to the comprehensive hot weather plan in place to protect all staff and customers during the warm weather. 'All driver cabs are fitted with air cooling systems and checks on these are taking place. 'If air cooling systems on a vehicle are not functioning and drivers do not feel they can carry out their duties safely, they should contact the controller and stop driving, with no risk of any penalties.'