Bus workers in London are set to walkout for three days next month over pay and working conditions. 

The Unite union has called on the capital's 18 bus operators to negotiate a single pay deal for drivers ahead of the planned industrial action on February 5, 13, and 16. 

A second walkout due to take place on January 5 was cancelled after the union agreed to meet with Acas to discuss ironing out unfair pay disparities. 

Unite regional officer Wayne King, said: "We have been working tirelessly in our efforts to bring the employers to the table to discuss a solution to this dispute. 

"We firmly believe that there is a simple solution to be had but sadly the refusal by the operators to engage in collective talks is risking the inevitable disruption that strike action will bring to passengers. 

"Bus passengers pay one fare, so why don’t bus drivers get paid the same rate for doing the same job? 

"We urge London’s bus operators to see sense and collectively engage in talks to give London’s bus workers a fair deal."

TfL director of Mike Weston, said only 16 per cent of drivers voted for next month's strike action. 

He said: "I am very sorry that the leadership of Unite are threatening to further disrupt the journeys of bus passengers.  

"As the bus companies who employ the drivers have said, it makes no sense to pay all drivers precisely the same amount. 

"As in all professions, bus drivers have different levels of experience and it is only right that this can be reflected in pay. 

"A ‘levelling up’ of pay to the highest rates would cost around £100 million a year and would result in a cut to bus services, an increase in fares, or both."

The union says there are over 80 different pay rates in London with many drivers covering the same route. Hourly rates can differ by up to £3 an hour from £9.30 to £12.34.