London Bus Strikes Cancelled: TfL Status Confirms Services to Resume Normally
London commuters can breathe a sigh of relief. All First Bus strikes planned for this weekend have been called off, signalling an end to a turbulent week for the capital’s transport network.
According to Transport for London’s latest TfL status alert, services are expected to operate as usual from Friday, September 12.
The industrial action had threatened widespread disruption across north-west and south-west London. First Bus employees were due to walk out from 5am on Friday, September 12, through to the evening of Sunday, September 14.
Earlier this week, part of the strike was axed after most London United staff accepted a pay offer.
Now, London Transit workers have also cancelled their walkout after reaching a resolution with their employer, Unite the Union confirmed.
Both bus operators are owned by First Bus. Union members had accused the company of withholding hundreds of pounds in back pay, according to reports from TimeOut.
TfL confirmed in its alert: “Strikes planned on services operated by First Bus are no longer going ahead. Services will run as normal.”
London has endured a week of transport chaos. With Tube strikes ongoing, commuters resorted to motorcars, Lime Bikes, and e-scooters.
Many residents faced shortages of functional e-bikes, with pedals broken or missing due to increased usage.
The union’s action stemmed from failed negotiations over pay and conditions, including a demand for a 32-hour working week.
TfL had offered a 3.4% pay rise, describing it as “fair,” while insisting it could not meet the union’s request for shorter hours.
Nick Dent, London Underground’s director of customer operations, said the union’s demands were “simply unaffordable” and would cost hundreds of millions.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey countered: “[Members] are not after a king’s ransom, but fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on our members’ health and wellbeing – all of which have not been adequately addressed for years by LU management.”
Commuters can now plan their peregrinations with confidence. TfL status updates will continue to cover service situations, but at present, London motorcars appear ready to return to normal.
