BUS drivers on routes from Ealing and all across West London are due to go on strike next week.

The first wave of strike action involves bus drivers employed by the French owned company RATP, which operates three subsidiaries in the London bus network: London United, London Sovereign and Quality Line.

Workers at London United, which provides bus services across West London will take strike action on Monday February 22, Tuesday February 23 and Wednesday February 24.

In Ealing, London United is responsible for the E11 and the 440 routes, among others.

Unite union claims that RATP is using the pandemic to 'attack' the terms and conditions of the drivers at the London United subsidiary.

Due to the proposed contracts, drivers face wage cuts of £2,500 which will reduce wages to 2015 levels.

Unite also claims that due to 'attacks' on conditions, drivers will be expected to be at work for far longer.

Unite will also shortly announce the balloting of its 4,000 plus members at Metroline over the company's proposal to introduce remote sign-on for drivers.

In Ealing, Metroline provides the E2 and E8 services, although routes across West London could be affected.

Remote sign-on means rather than starting work at a depot, they will meet their bus at a bus stop.

The union says this means drivers will not be checked for fitness to work and it also exposes them more to COVID-19.

A Unite spokesperson said: "Unite argues that there is no benefit to passengers and in fact, remote sign on could cause disruption to services.

"There are also major safety implications, as there are no checks to ensure a driver is fit for work.

"Furthermore, forcing the driver to travel to a bus stop to begin driving will result in them being at greater risk of exposure to COVID.

"Unite has calculated that the introduction of remote sign on will equate to an immediate 7% cut in wages on average for affected workers."

A Metroline spokesperson told Nub News: "We have actively engaged with Unite on introducing new sign-in procedures for over a year.

"New arrangements at two of our garages have been well received with more volunteers than we could accommodate.

"We are disappointed Unite is preparing a formal ballot for strike action.

"It is even more disappointing that a number of the claims made by Unite are absolutely not accurate.

"We categorically reject allegations that this could negatively impact safety and it is incorrect to state that drivers will not be tested for fitness to drive as managers and supervisors will continue to be sent to points to carry out random checks and drivers will still be subject to stringent drug and alcohol testing.

"We have sought to work very closely with Unite throughout the pandemic, a time during which many drivers chose to sign on remotely because it encourages social distancing.

"Our risk assessment shows that potential exposure to COVID-19, is reduced by remote sign in, which clearly helps promote social distancing.

"Our drivers will additionally benefit from improved work life balance and importantly, reduced fatigue.

"We remain open to further discussions with Unite."