More than 350 drivers from the Lea Interchange Bus Company are planning to strike over the festive period, putting Christmas plans at risk.
Staff from the Lea Interchange Bus Company - part of Stagecoach - working at the Lea Interchange Bus Garage in Leyton will walk out on 12 and 13 December and 8 and 9 January.
More than a dozen bus routes are expected to be impacted, including seven to Westfield Stratford shopping centre - meaning Londoners hoping to pick up Christmas presents or scoop up a deal in the January sales may have an arduous journey ahead.
The drivers, who are members of Unite, are striking over a dispute regarding alleged ‘union busting’ and bullying. Unite representatives claim they have been subjected to aggressive behaviour for several months following a change in management at the bus depot.
Stagecoach has said it ‘utterly refutes’ the union’s claims.
Some 98 per cent of union members voted in favour of the strike, which will affect bus routes 97, 58, 86, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14 and 678.
Unite 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 regional officer John Murphy said: "We understand that those who rely on these bus services will be concerned to hear of industrial action, but this dispute is entirely the fault of the employer for bullying hardworking members of its workforce.
"The ballot result shows the strength of solidarity between bus drivers and their colleagues who have been affected by union busting. Management still have a chance to stop this disruptive action, but it relies on them radically changing their behaviour towards our reps."
A Stagecoach London spokesperson said: “Our drivers at Lea Interchange Garage who are members of Unite the Union have now voted in favour of taking strike action.
“It would be inappropriate to comment on cases involving any individuals, but 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.
“It is disappointing the situation has reached this point, but we value our ongoing relationship with Unite and remain committed to resolving any concerns through the proper channels. Our priority continues to be delivering a safe and reliable bus service for our customers, and we will work to minimise any disruption.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “We encourage Unite and Stagecoach to work together to come to an agreement and avoid disruption to Londoners.”
