Andy Beadle, South East London Socialist Party
On 11 May, bus drivers employed by Arriva in south London, members of Unite the Union, resumed their strike action. Their action began in late March against a 1.5% pay ‘offer’.
This time, Croydon, Norwood and Thornton Heath depots were joined by Brixton, which had been excluded from the previous strike days over a legal point.
One long-serving Unite activist at Thornton Heath said he was proud to have won a convert. A driver who had worked during the March action is now helping on the picket line. Few buses ran out of Thornton Heath.
Patience and determination are rebuilding the traditions of militant trade unionism.
The action has forced an improved offer from the company, which, as we go to press, members are being balloted on.
