Bus strikes called off
General union Unite has announced that London bus strikes set for this week have been called off following consultation with members who agreed proposals that will halt remote sign-on at the Metroline company.
The dispute, involving more than 4,000 bus drivers, followed the company’s planned adoption of the system, in which drivers do not report to a depot but meet a bus along a route, such as at a bus stop.
Following the strike threat, the company has now agreed not to proceed. It has also guaranteed that the measure will not be introduced on current or new routes until 31 December 2022, following which, if it does wish to consider remote sign-on again, it must consult with the union first.
Unite regional officer Mary Summers said: “This is an excellent result for our members at Metroline who were rightly fearful of how remote sign-on would affect their pay, health and wellbeing.”