Four more strike days to hit 13 London bus routes

Around 350 bus drivers in north-east London will walk out for four days next month in an ongoing row over allegations of "bullying and union busting" at a bus depot.

The trade union Unite has alleged that since there was a change in management at the Lea Interchange Bus Garage in Leyton, east London, its members had been unfairly suspended and subject to "aggressive behaviour".

Trade union members at the depot, which is part of Stagecoach, are set to strike on 6, 7, 20 and 21 February.

Stagecoach has said it "refutes Unite's allegations of union victimisation or bullying" and recognises "the important role of our recognised trade union".

The union one member was unfairly dismissed, then reinstated and another suspended "on trumped up charges" after an altercation with management.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite will never stand by and allow reps to be bullied and workers at the Lea Interchange Bus Company have our full support throughout this dispute."

The upcoming walkouts follow four previous strike days in December and January.

Stagecoach London said: "We would not tolerate victimisation of union representatives for carrying out their duties.

"Any disciplinary matters are handled through long-established, trade-union-agreed procedures that apply equally to all employees and include the right to representation and appeal."

Unite regional officer John Murphy said: "We appreciate it is frustrating for passengers to hear of more strikes, but this dispute is completely the fault of the employer who has failed to come forward with a plan to resolve this problem."

Stagecoach London added: "We have made extensive efforts to resolve this matter, including agreeing to independent mediation, and remain open to further dialogue.

"Our priority is to do everything possible to minimise disruption and continue providing a safe, reliable service for our customers during the strike action."

The routes affected by the upcoming industrial action are: 58, 86, 97, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14 and 678.

The walkout will also affect key routes including the 97, which serves the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, and the 276, which runs to Newham Hospital.

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