Unite union announce bus worker strikes in Milton Keynes and Luton affecting Arriva services

The Unite trade union has announced bus worker strikes from multiple Arriva depots, including Luton and Milton Keynes.

The dispute covers workers across Arriva the Shires and Arriva Kent Thameside across five depots. These are Luton, Milton Keynes, Stevenage, Ware and Hemel Hempstead.

Unite have announced 16 days of strikes between late September and mid-October, covering Tuesday 23 September – Friday 26 September, Wednesday 1 October – Saturday 4 October, Thursday 9 October – Sunday 12 October and Tuesday 14 October – Friday 17 October.

The union said, “Arriva have offered a below-inflation increase of just 65p per hour, equating to 3.82 per cent for a bus driver backdated to 1 January 2025. This is despite the fact in the last financial year Arriva – which operates in 11 European countries – was purchased by new American owners I Squared Capital and saw its total revenues reach €2.46bn.”

Around 800 bus drivers, engineers, cleaners and shunters are to take part in the strike action.

It is estimated that Arriva operates around 50 routes a day operate out of their Milton Keynes and Luton depots.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said in a statement, “This is a dispute entirely of Arriva’s own making and it is now responsible for the chaos that will hit commuters in the home counties.

“It is completely unacceptable to offer such a derisory pay increase in the current economic climate while making billions in revenue. Our members have the full support of Unite in their dispute.”

The union’s regional officer Jeff Hodge added, “Our members do a stressful and skilled job yet their employer thinks they can be short-changed with this insulting pay offer. Our message to Arriva is stark – make a pay offer that our members can accept or face the chaos of strikes across your network this autumn.”

In a statement, Arriva said, “Unite have voted to strike in Luton, Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and Ware, we are disappointed by this news and remain committed to finding a resolution.

“We will keep our customers updated”.