Published: 2024-01-18 by, News Team in the Traffic & Travel news category

Upcoming Bus Strikes Hit Chiswick Local Routes

The upcoming industrial action by bus controllers is expected to impact several local bus routes, including those serving Chiswick.

The dispute involves 40 Abellio staff, who are members of the Unite union, planning to walk out on six separate days over pay concerns.

The controllers, stationed at Battersea and Twickenham bus garages, are dissatisfied with a five percent pay increase offered by management, which they argue is a real-terms cut for employees earning approximately £10,000 per year less than counterparts at other bus companies in similar roles.

The affected Fridays for the walkouts are 19 and 26 January, and 2, 9, 16, and 23 February.

The impacted routes, including those serving Chiswick, Brentford, Putney, and Hammersmith, are: 24, 27, 111, 156, 159, 267, 285, 322, 344, 345, 415, 490, 969, H20, H25, H26, R68, R70.

While these services will still operate, the union anticipates significant disruptions, with services likely deviating from scheduled timetables.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham expressed concern about the impact on London as members strike for fair pay.

Abellio's revenue from lucrative London bus contracts is substantial, and the union insists that an improved offer is necessary to avoid disrupting the journeys of millions of Londoners.

In response, a spokesperson for Abellio highlighted negotiations since April 2023 and an unconditional offer of a five percent salary increase, backdated to January 2023. Abellio is working with TfL to implement mitigation plans and ensure continued travel options during the strikes.

TfL's Head of Bus Service Delivery, Rosie Trew, encourages finding a resolution to the dispute and advises affected individuals to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, and check for updates using the TfL website or app.

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