East London Stagecoach Strikes Disrupt 13 Bus Routes in February

Key Points

• Thirteen bus routes in east London—58, 86, 97, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14, and 678—will face disruptions due to two 48-hour walkouts by drivers on February 6 and 7, and February 20 and 21.
• The industrial action involves approximately 350 drivers stationed at the Lea Interchange Bus Company in Leyton, which is operated by Stagecoach.
• This follows similar strike actions in December and January, during which no buses operated from the Lea Interchange depot, leading to widespread cancellations.
• The core dispute revolves around allegations of bullying and aggressive behaviour by management towards Unite trade union representatives, including unfair dismissals, reinstatements, and suspensions on what Unite describes as “trumped-up charges.”
• Unite claims these actions target representatives for performing union duties, potentially breaching UK employment law.
• Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated that the strikes could be avoided if management changes its approach, adding that Unite will not tolerate bullying of representatives and fully supports the workers.
• Unite regional officer John Murphy emphasised the employer’s fault in failing to propose a resolution, highlighting drivers’ unity and calling for a clear plan from management.
• Stagecoach London spokesman refuted allegations of union victimisation or bullying, clarifying the dispute is not about pay and that disciplinary matters follow trade union-agreed procedures with rights to representation and appeal.
• Stagecoach noted extensive efforts to resolve the issue, including agreement to independent mediation, and remains open to further dialogue while prioritising minimal disruption to customers.

East London (East London Times) January 23, 2026 – Thirteen bus routes across east London face significant disruptions from two planned 48-hour strikes by Stagecoach drivers at Lea Interchange Bus Company in Leyton on February 6-7 and February 20-21, affecting around 350 workers amid an ongoing dispute over alleged management bullying of union representatives.​

Which Bus Routes Are Impacted by the Strikes?

The strikes will disrupt services on routes 58, 86, 97, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14, and 678, all operated from the Lea Interchange depot in Leyton. These routes serve key areas of east London, potentially causing widespread inconvenience for commuters reliant on public transport. Previous walkouts in December and January resulted in no buses operating from the depot, leading to extensive cancellations across these services.​

What Is the Lea Interchange Bus Company’s Role?

Lea Interchange Bus Company, operated by Stagecoach, employs the approximately 350 drivers taking industrial action. The depot in Leyton serves as the operational hub for the affected routes, making it central to the dispute’s impact on east London travel. Unite has highlighted the strong solidarity among drivers at this location during prior strikes.​

Why Are the Drivers Striking?

The industrial action stems from allegations of bullying and aggressive behaviour by management towards Unite trade union representatives. Unite claims these individuals have faced unfair dismissal, reinstatement, and suspension on “trumped-up charges,” arguing they are targeted for carrying out legitimate union duties, which Unite asserts breaches UK employment law.

As reported by union sources in coverage of the dispute, no meaningful proposals have been put forward by management to resolve these grievances.​

What Has Unite’s General Secretary Said?

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stated:

“These strikes could be avoided, but it relies on management changing tack. 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.”

Her comments underscore the union’s firm stance against perceived mistreatment of its representatives. Graham’s position aligns with Unite’s broader commitment to protecting workers’ rights in ongoing disputes.​

Who Is Unite Regional Officer John Murphy?

John Murphy, Unite regional officer, remarked: “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. Previous strikes showed a lot of unity between drivers and they will continue to show solidarity towards their colleagues who have been unfairly targeted.

Instead of continuing to bully Unite members, management must come back with a clear plan to resolve the issue in order to stop further disruption to bus services.” Murphy’s statement emphasises driver solidarity and places responsibility squarely on the employer. His role involves coordinating regional union efforts in this labour conflict.​

How Does Stagecoach Respond to Bullying Allegations?

A spokesman for Stagecoach London 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.” The spokesman further noted:

“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.”

Stagecoach maintains that procedures are fair and inclusive of union involvement.​

What Happened During Previous Strikes?

Previous strike action in December and January led to widespread cancellations, with no buses operating from the Lea Interchange depot during those walkouts. These disruptions highlighted the potential scale of impact on east London commuters, as services on the 13 routes ground to a halt. Unite’s John Murphy noted that prior strikes demonstrated significant unity among drivers, a trend expected to continue.​

Is the Dispute Solely About Bullying?

While Unite centres the conflict on bullying and union victimisation, Stagecoach explicitly states the dispute is not about pay. The company refutes claims of unfair targeting and points to established disciplinary processes agreed with the trade union. Both sides agree on the need for resolution, with Stagecoach having consented to independent mediation.​

When Are the Strikes Scheduled?

The two 48-hour walkouts are set for February 6 and 7, followed by February 20 and 21. These dates coincide with potential peak travel periods, amplifying concerns for passengers. Stagecoach aims to mitigate effects through contingency planning, though past actions suggest significant service gaps.​

What Efforts Have Been Made to Resolve the Dispute?

Stagecoach has made extensive efforts, including agreeing to independent mediation, and remains open to further talks. Unite, however, insists no meaningful proposals have emerged from management. John Murphy of Unite urged the employer to present a clear plan to halt further action. Sharon Graham echoed this, conditioning strike avoidance on management’s change in approach.​

How Will Passengers Be Affected?

Passengers face frustration from repeated disruptions, as acknowledged by Unite’s John Murphy. Stagecoach prioritises minimising impact and maintaining safe, reliable services where possible. Commuters on the 13 routes should prepare for alternatives, given the complete halt at Lea Interchange during prior strikes.​

What Is the Broader Context of UK Bus Disputes?

This action fits into ongoing tensions in the UK transport sector, where union disputes often centre on worker protections amid operational pressures. East London’s reliance on these Stagecoach routes underscores the local stakes. Neutral observers note both parties’ calls for dialogue, though progress remains elusive.​

The dispute at Lea Interchange highlights deepening rifts between Stagecoach management and Unite representatives, with east Londoners braced for travel chaos. As mediation offers linger, the February strikes loom large, testing commitments to fair procedures and passenger service. Coverage from multiple angles reveals entrenched positions, yet avenues for resolution persist through agreed processes. This labour standoff, rooted in allegations of mistreatment, demands swift attention to avert prolonged inconvenience for thousands.