Around 1,600 London United bus drivers are being balloted for strike action over pay and other issues, according to Unite, one of the leading unions in the UK. 

The drivers are based out of seven garages that ply routes across south, west and central London. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members are sick and tired of their employer trying to suppress their pay.

"RATP Group brings in billions but is offering London United drivers a real terms pay cut on top of putting forward working conditions that are not fit for purpose." 

The drivers have rejected a four per cent pay offer, which is a real terms pay cut, as the real rate of inflation was 5.1 per cent when the pay increase was supposed to be implemented in December 2023, according to the union's website. 

"Unite is offering maximum support to our members at London United," said Graham. 

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy added: "London United will be directly responsible for any disruption caused to bus services.

"The company could have easily put forward a fair deal months ago but has refused to do so. There is still time to avoid strike action, but London United must table an offer our members can accept." 

Unite is the UK and Ireland's leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. 

A spokesperson on behalf of RATP Dev Transit London replied: "We believe our pay offer was competitive and fair and aligned to our commitment to protect drivers from inflation and reward their efforts. 

"We are disappointed that this offer has been rejected and that bus drivers are being balloted for strike action, as strikes will cause inconvenience to the public and loss of earnings for our hard-working employees." 

RATP London said they are continuing to engage with union representatives and will be meeting them tomorrow (today) to discuss the revised offer. 

The ballot for strike action opened this week and will close on 22 July.