London could face widespread travel disruption in the coming months as bus workers may strike on the same days as planned Tube walkouts, it was warned on Thursday.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are due to strike for two days in April, May, and June, in an ongoing dispute over working hours.
Two strikes planned for next week were recently called off after progress was made in talks with London Underground.
Separately, Unite announced that its members, employed by Transport for London (TfL) as bus station and network traffic controllers, are being balloted for industrial action over rosters.
The ballot closes on 13 April, and Unite stated that any strike action could coincide with the RMT’s planned dates.
General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our hardworking members at TfL do an important role in keeping bus passengers safe and services running well, but they have been rewarded with rota changes that will severely impact their work/life balance and even leave them at risk of being disciplined for a situation not of their control.
“This situation is unacceptable and TfL must change course or face a highly disruptive strike. Our members at TfL have the union’s full unwavering support during this dispute.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “We continue to work with Unite on proposed changes to the rota and hope to reach a position which works for everybody.”
Two 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers next week have been called off after progress in talks to try to resolve a dispute over working hours, the RMT union said.
The Labour mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan described the breakthrough as “positive news for Londoners, businesses and visitors”.
He added: “I’m glad talks have been constructive and both sides continue to work towards a resolution.”
It is not clear what led to the breakthrough, but previously Transport for London said the proposed four-day working week would be for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only, adding that the changes to working patterns would be voluntary, as it called on the union to cancel the proposed strikes.
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: “We are pleased that RMT has suspended its planned industrial action between Tuesday 24 March and Friday 27 March.
