London bus strike causes long rush-hour traffic jams

The second in a series of strikes by thousands of London bus workers has disrupted services and caused long rush-hour traffic jams, as unions lashed out at transport authorities over “misleading” claims. Unite the union claimed up to 20,000 bus workers had taken part in the 24-hour strike over pay differentials between the capital’s 18 bus operators. However, Transport for London said that 47% of services were in operation and criticised the union’s action. Mike Weston, TfL’s director of buses, said: “I am very sorry that the leadership of Unite is intent on disrupting the journeys of London’s 6.5 million daily bus passengers, especially given that only 16% of bus drivers voted for strike action. Bus driver rates of pay have been negotiated and agreed between Unite and the bus companies individually under a long-standing and jointly agreed process. As in all professions, bus drivers have different levels of experience and it is only right that this can be reflected in pay.” Unite said TfL’s claims over the number of buses running were “wildly optimistic” and accused it of “seeking to inflame the situation with misinformed and misleading comments”. A spokesman said: “Today’s disruption is regrettable, but the blame lies squarely with London’s 18 bus companies who have continued to refuse to talk collectively over the last two years.”