by Chris Newby, Tower Hamlets Socialist Party
Bus drivers at Bow garage in east London were on strike on Friday 17 April. This followed four strike days in March, and one-day strikes on 24 April and 15 May are planned.
The strike is over driver fatigue. They drive long distances without adequate breaks, have had increased weekend working, and are not given sufficient time between shifts to recuperate.
Since the first strike, management have not made any concessions, except to offer an insulting £50 payment if they called off the strike. Drivers are still very determined to fight on.
The big impact the strike has had shows the vital role that bus drivers play in transport in London. Members of the Socialist Party visiting the picket line were warmly received.