Hackney residents face travel chaos amid planned bus strikes

The strikes begin today. Photograph: Supplied

Hackney residents are set to be impacted by a second round of bus strikes this weekend following a last-minute change of date.

More than 350 drivers from the Lea Interchange Bus Company — part of Stagecoach — are expected to participate in the 9-10 January strikes, which will impact 13 bus routes — including several that service the borough. A number of the routes, including the 97 and 339, also serve Westfield’s Stratford City in a blow to shoppers hoping to snag a deal in the January sales.

The strikes will impact routes 58, 86, 97, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14 and 678.

Bus drivers walked out for two days in December in a dispute over alleged ‘union busting’ and bullying, the Citizen previously reported. 

The strike had initially been earmarked for 8-9 January, but Unite trade union announced this week that the dates would be pushed back by a day.

The organisation said in a statement that “the strike dates are not in the same week in workers’ shift patterns” — meaning participants won’t lose two days of pay from one week.

The industrial action comes in response to alleged aggressive behaviour towards staff following a change in management at Lea Interchange Bus Garage in Leyton. They claim the chair of the branch was suspended, dismissed and then reinstated, and another rep was allegedly suspended on what Unite described as “trumped-up charges” after an altercation with management. 

Unite also alleged the bus drivers are being targeted for being members of a trade union, which would violate UK employment laws.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite will never stand idly by when an employer uses union busting and bullying tactics.

“Management at the depot must change tack or face disruptive action. Unite members at the Lea Interchange Bus Company have the union’s full support.”

Unite said some 98% of union members voted in favour of the strike. Unite regional officer John Murphy said that this ballot result “shows the strength of solidarity between bus drivers and their colleagues who have been affected by union busting”.

“This dispute is entirely the fault of the employer for bullying hardworking members of its workforce,” he added.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases, but to be clear this dispute is not about pay. We strongly refute Unite’s allegations of union victimisation or bullying and recognise the important role of our recognised trade union.

“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. 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.”