East London bus drivers could strike in early December

Route 97 is one of the east London bus services that could be affected by strike action as Christmas approaches <i>(Image: Google Maps)</i>
Route 97 is one of the east London bus services that could be affected by strike action as Christmas approaches (Image: Google Maps)
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Bus drivers in east London could strike at the start of December - causing "travel chaos" for Christmas shoppers, a union warns.

More than 350 workers at Lea Interchange Bus Company are being balloted for strike action after accusations that managers at the branch have displayed "aggressive behaviour" towards Unite representatives.

The vote closes on November 18, with strikes set to begin in early December if they go ahead.

Routes across east London could be hit with delays and cancellations, including the 97 - which serves Westfield Stratford City shopping centre - and the 86, which stops at Romford Market.

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Other services which could be affected if strikes go ahead are routes 58, 135, 236, 276, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14 and 678.

Unite regional officer John Murphy warned that industrial action will cause "travel chaos" over the Christmas shopping period, given the number of routes and drivers involved.

Mr Murphy said: "Members at the bus depot are very supportive of their colleagues, who have been hardworking reps.

"They will not stand for union busting and management must reconsider their behaviour or will face disruptive industrial action."

Since a change in management, union reps working at the depot have been singled out for taking part in trade union activities, Unite claims.

This includes accusations that the chair of the branch was suspended, dismissed then reinstated, while another rep was also suspended following an "altercation" with management.

Stagecoach, which runs the services from Lea Interchange Bus Garage on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), denies the allegations of "aggressive behaviour" from bosses.

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A spokesperson for the company said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on any individual cases but we refute the allegations made by Unite.

"All employees are subject to the same standards of behaviour, regardless of their role.

"Any allegations of misconduct are handled in line with our established policies and procedures.

"We value our ongoing relationship with Unite and remain committed to resolving any concerns through the proper channels.

"Our priority continues to be delivering a safe and reliable bus service for our customers."

A TfL spokesperson added: "We encourage Unite and Stagecoach to work together to come to an agreement and avoid disruption to Londoners."

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