Bus drivers in London could go on strike over what they call ‘glaringly unfair’ pay disparities.

According to the Unite union, a consultative ballot has shown almost all of their members are willing to walk out if formal strike action is organised.

Employees from 17 bus operators are now involved in a campaign to secure a London-wide agreement covering pay, terms and conditions.

The ballot saw 96 per cent vote in favour of action, according to Unite.

In contrast to tube drivers, there is no one collective pay deal for bus drivers in the capital as pay is negotiated on a company by company basis.

Unite London regional officer, Wayne King, said: “The patience of London bus drivers is wearing thin. Rather than their pay and conditions being covered by one single agreement, we have the farce of 17 different sets of negotiations.

“It not only breeds pay inequality, but is bureaucratic and inefficient and has led to pay gaps opening up between bus drivers working for different companies as well as those driving the same routes for the same operator.

“London’s bus drivers keep the capital moving and deserve a fair deal.”

The bus companies include Arriva North, Arriva South, Selkent, London General, Metroline, Metroline West, Metrobus, CT Plus, London United, Abellio South, Abellio West, London Sovereign, Stagecoach, Blue Triangle, Northumberland Park, Tower Transit and London Central.