Four more strike days to hit 13 London bus routes

"Unite will never stand by and allow reps to be bullied and workers at the Lea Interchange Bus Company have our full support throughout this dispute."

"We would not tolerate victimisation of union representatives for carrying out their duties."

"We appreciate it is frustrating for passengers to hear of more strikes, but this dispute is completely the fault of the employer who has failed to come forward with a plan to resolve this problem."

Approximately 350 bus drivers at the Lea Interchange Bus Garage in Leyton, east London, will strike on 6, 7, 20 and 21 February over allegations of bullying and union busting following a change in management. Unite alleges members were unfairly suspended, one was unfairly dismissed then reinstated, and another suspended on 'trumped up charges' after an altercation with management. Stagecoach says it refutes allegations of union victimisation or bullying, recognises the union's role, and follows trade-union-agreed disciplinary procedures with representation and appeal rights. Stagecoach says it has proposed independent mediation and remains open to dialogue while aiming to minimise disruption.

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