London bus strike to cause 'significant disruption' » Local government » 24dash.com

Bus services across London will be hit by a 24-hour strike tomorrow by up to 2,500 drivers and other workers in a row over pay.

First Capital East and First Centrewest services in the east and west of the capital will be affected by the action, which starts at 3am.

The stoppage, by members of the Unite union, will be followed by a 48-hour strike from September 12, following the rejection of a 4% pay offer.

Unite official George Dodo-Williams said: "First group are making huge profits while their workers are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living in one of the world's most expensive cities."

Company official Adrian Jones said: "The London bus market has always been competitive and there is continuing downward pressure on tender prices.

"In the current circumstances we believe the pay offer is a good one. Our rates are good compared to many bus companies."

First said around 14% of its services will be affected by the strike, but the union predicted "significant" disruption.

Unite is balloting workers at a number of other bus firms in London for strikes over pay.

Transport for London said it was working to keep disruption to a minimum, urging passengers to check their route and listen to media travel updates, adding: "Where possible, we would advise passengers to use alternative means of transport."