Bus drivers in Luton will walk out for 16 days this autumn as part of a dispute over pay with Arriva.
Members of the Unite union based at the town’s depot are among more than 800 workers across the south-east taking industrial action after rejecting a pay offer they say falls far short of the cost of living.
The strikes will affect services operating in the town and Unite says passengers in the town should expect major disruption on strike days, with little or no service running.
The walkouts are planned for:
- Tuesday 23 September – Friday 26 September
- Wednesday 1 October – Saturday 4 October
- Thursday 9 October – Sunday 12 October
- Tuesday 14 October – Friday 17 October
Unite says Arriva has offered drivers a rise of just 65p per hour – an increase of 3.82 per cent – backdated to January 2025. The union argues this is well below inflation and an insult to drivers carrying out what it calls a “stressful and skilled job”.
“This is a dispute entirely of Arriva’s own making and it is now responsible for the chaos that will hit commuters,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, adding: “It is completely unacceptable to offer such a derisory pay increase in the current economic climate while making billions in revenue. Our members have the full support of Unite in their dispute.”
Arriva, which was purchased by American investors I Squared Capital last year, reported revenues of €2.46bn in its most recent financial results.
Unite regional officer, Jeff Hodge, added: “Our members do a stressful and skilled job yet their employer thinks they can be short-changed with this insulting pay offer. Our message to Arriva is stark – make a pay offer that our members can accept or face the chaos of strikes across your network this autumn.”
Arriva have said they are committed to finding a resolution.
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