Around 1,600 London United bus drivers are being balloted for strike action over pay and other issues, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today. The drivers, based at seven garages providing services across South, West and Central London, are in dispute over pay and other issues.

They have rejected a four per cent pay offer, as the real rate of inflation, RPI, was 5.1 per cent when the pay increase was supposed to be implemented in December 2023, says Unite.

The drivers are also angry that the scheduling agreement and enhancement to terms and conditions put forward by London United are “not fit for purpose”.

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

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.”