BUS company bosses reacted last night with disappointment’ to the transport union’s formal declaration that drivers go on strike again in East London, from 3am next Friday. This time, they face industrial action for 48 hours, following last Monday’s 24-hour stoppage

BUS company bosses reacted last night 'with disappointment' to the transport union's formal declaration that drivers go on strike again in East London, from 3am next Friday.

This time, they face industrial action for 48 hours, following last Monday's 24-hour stoppage.

Garages at Bow, Upton Park, West Ham, Leyton, Barking and Romford will be at a standstill all day November 20 and 21.

East London Bus Company's chief Nigel Barrett said: "We are disappointed that further action has been planned as we are still waiting for an approach from the union to discuss a resolution.

"Our rates remain above the market average for London bus drivers. Most of our drivers are among the highest-paid in London, working a five-day week plus overtime."

Routes affected are D3, 5, 8, 15, 25, 26, 30, 48, 55, 56, 62, 69, 86, 97, 101, 103, 104, 106, 115, 145, 147, 158, 169, 175, 205, 230, 238, 241, 247, 257, 262, 276, 277, 287, 294, 296, 300, 325, 330, 366, 369, 376, 387, 396, 473, 496, 608, 647, 674, 678 and 687, as well as night buses N8, N15, N26, N55, N86 and N550.

Industrial action began after talks with the Unite union broke down on November 4.

WS: ISF_London: 3085315: v1