London assembly votes for bus drivers "bill of rights"

The Greater London Assembly has unanimously voted for a motion to introduce a 'Bill of Rights' to ensure bus drivers have access to clean, serviced toilets and rest facilities, as well as a safe and well-maintained vehicle, among other things.

The motion also called for a review of drivers’ existing contracts to ensure minimum standards align with the proposed Bill of Rights.

All 21 members backed the motion - proposed by Keith Prince AM - at a meeting on Thursday (2 July).

The motion calls on the Assembly to note that the capital's bus drivers "perform a vital public service" and are facing increasing pressures, including long hours, difficult working conditions, abuse from members of the public, extreme temperatures in vehicle cabs, and concerns regarding fatigue and safety.

It also highlights ongoing concerns raised by trade unions and drivers regarding rest breaks, access to welfare facilities, unsafe scheduling practices, and pressure placed upon drivers while operating vehicles.

The proposal comes after Unite the Union issued an urgent appeal for London bus driver protections during last month’s heat wave, which saw the highest temperatures for June on record.

The union warned that cab temperatures can often exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, as many buses remain in service despite the air conditioning being broken.

Responding to the conditions, the motion proposes the following twelve principles to be included in a 'Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights':

1. The Right to a safe work schedule without any forced overtime or loss of pay.
   2. The Right to a decent and proper rest break in the working day.
   3. The Right to drive a safe and well-maintained vehicle.
   4. The Right to clean, serviced toilet and rest facilities on all bus routes.
   5. The Right to report safety concerns without fear of retribution from TfL or employers.
   6. The Right, when seriously ill and covered by a doctor's note, to not be harassed into coming into work until fit to do so.
   7. The Right to relevant and timely safety training.
   8. The Right to drive without being forced to answer radio messages and texts from Controllers whilst in motion.
   9. The Right to have all company rules in writing and clearly displayed.
   10. The Right to be treated with dignity and respect by our employers, TfL and the public.
   11. The Right to Working Air Cooling in our cabs in the summer heat.
   12. The Right to Working Heaters in our cabs in the cold of winter.

The Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) should formally recognise and support the principles set out in the proposal, and work with stakeholders to implement the rights the motion says.

This work should include a review of existing contracts to ensure minimum standards on rest breaks, welfare facilities, vehicle maintenance, hearing and cooling systems, and driver welfare protections are enforced, the motion adds.

They should also introduce stronger protections for whistle-blowers and drivers raising legitimate safety concerns, and report back to the Assembly within twelve months, it says.
Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, said: “Bus drivers play an essential role in keeping the capital moving. Alongside bus operators, we take their safety and welfare seriously and we rightly require operators to meet high standards.

“We are working together on a range of measures to further improve working conditions, health and wellbeing.”

Murphy said TfL is committed to ensuring that all staff have a fair work schedule, with safe vehicles and access to the facilities they need to carry out their roles effectively.

She also said that any reports from drivers are always fully investigated, and our operators should never take action against people raising concerns about welfare.

Adam Carey