London bus, photo by Graham Richardson (Creative Commons)

London bus, photo by Graham Richardson (Creative Commons)   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

A London bus driver

London bus drivers have won a city wide collective agreement for the first time since privatisation over 20 years ago. This had unanimous support from trade union reps and convenors.

Strikes by drivers, who are members of Unite the Union, in January and February stopped London and rocked Transport for London (TfL) and bus operating companies. A minority of shop stewards voted for further action this summer, confident of our members’ support to win our full demand for London-wide pay talks.

But this outcome is still an important step forward. We have won the right to negotiate – and if necessary, strike – on terms and conditions in London despite having different employers.

This agreement does not include pay. London mayoral candidate and bus driver’s son Sadiq Khan has said, if elected he’ll impose such negotiations on bus firms. Politicians’ promises don’t impress most bus drivers so we’ll see.

This agreement does not compromise our right to further action. No doubt bosses hope the impending trade union act will scupper us.

Again, we will see.