Key Points
- Thirteen London bus routes will be affected by strikes next week, primarily disrupting services in east and northeast London.
- The strike involves 350 bus drivers working for the Lea Interchange Bus Company, part of Stagecoach, and represented by the Unite union.
- The industrial action is due to allegations of union busting, bullying, and targeting of union representatives by the Lea Interchange Bus Company.
- Stagecoach denies the allegations, stating all employees are treated equally and misconduct claims are managed fairly.
- The strike will impact key locations such as Stratford, a major Christmas shopping destination.
- This dispute is separate from an earlier Unite strike at Westbourne Park bus garage in west London in November 2025.
What is the nature of the upcoming London bus strikes and which routes are affected?
Major bus services in east London are set to be disrupted by industrial action next week, with hundreds of drivers walking out on strike. Thirteen London bus routes, mostly in east and northeast London, will be impacted. This disruption will significantly affect travel around Stratford, a prime area for Christmas shopping, potentially causing widespread inconvenience during the busy festive season.
The drivers involved in the strike work for the Lea Interchange Bus Company, part of the larger Stagecoach group, and are members of the Unite union. Approximately 350 drivers will participate in the strike, which reflects escalating tensions between the union and company management. As reported by Ed Cunningham from Time Out, the strike marks a serious confrontation amid allegations from the union about workplace practices at the bus company .
Why are the bus drivers going on strike?
The strike is rooted in serious accusations leveled by the Unite union against the Lea Interchange Bus Company. Unite alleges the company has engaged in union busting tactics, bullying, and aggressive behaviour towards workers, particularly targeting union representatives for participating in trade union activities.
Unite’s General Secretary, Sharon Graham, emphasized the union’s stance saying,
“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” .
How has Stagecoach responded to the strike and allegations?
Stagecoach has strongly denied the allegations made by Unite. A spokesperson for Stagecoach stated,
“We utterly refute the allegations made by Unite of union busting and bullying. All employees are held to the same standards of behaviour, regardless of their role, and any allegations of misconduct are handled in line with our established policies and procedures.”
The company also expressed regret that the situation had escalated to strikes but affirmed its commitment to resolving issues through appropriate channels. The spokesperson added,
“Our priority continues to be delivering a safe and reliable bus service for our customers, and we will work to minimise any disruption” .
Which previous strikes are connected or how does this strike compare?
This industrial action is distinct from a separate strike involving Unite workers at Westbourne Park bus garage in west London earlier in November 2025. That previous strike also involved major bus routes and disruptions but was unrelated to the current issues at Lea Interchange.
What is the likely impact on commuters and the public?
The strike will cause significant disruption across the affected routes, particularly in east London areas such as Stratford, which is a key hub for Christmas shopping. The timing of the strike poses risks of travel delays and difficulties for shoppers and residents relying on these bus services for their daily commute and seasonal errands.
Passengers are advised to check routes and travel updates closely to plan alternatives during the strike period.
What are the full details of the affected bus routes and strike dates?
The full list of thirteen bus routes affected by the strike and the specific strike dates was published by reporting outlets such as Time Out, highlighting which services will be most disrupted next weekend and potentially beyond. These routes primarily serve east and northeast London, with a critical impact expected on connectivity to shopping and residential districts.
