UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 20, 2020 / The announcement that all London buses have been fitted with a much safer air conditioning system, is a major victory for Unite, which represents over 20,000 London bus workers, which has been calling for the measure to be introduced since the beginning of the year.

All London buses have had changes made to their air conditioning systems so that the air entering the driver’s sealed cab comes directly from the outside and does not pass through the passenger area of the bus. The change will greatly reduce the risk of driver’s being exposed to the Covid-19 virus while driving.

Unite first raised concerns about the air conditioning system on buses in February to Transport for London (TfL) and bus operators, before the initial national lockdown. Following continued lobbying from Unite the air conditioning was turned off in cabs. The publication of the University College of London report on the exposure of bus drivers to Covid-19, also recommended changes to the air conditioning.

The installation of the new air conditioning system was initially due to be completed on all buses in January but has been completed ahead of schedule.

Unite lead officer for London buses John Murphy said: “This is a major victory in Unite’s continuing campaign to improve the safety of London buses during the pandemic.

“Unite highlighted its concerns about the air conditioning system when the first cases of Covid-19 began to emerge and it was instrumental in ensuring the air conditioning was turned off and a replacement system introduced.

“While this was a positive development, Unite will not rest on its laurels and is continuously ensuring that drivers’ safety is maintained and improved throughout the second wave of the pandemic.

“London bus drivers have continued to work throughout the pandemic and have kept London moving, with too many paying a tragic price, it is incumbent on everyone involved with buses that no stone is left unturned in ensuring their safety.”

Bus drivers and drivers in London in particular have been greatly affected by the Covid-19 with 30 drivers having tragically died of the disease during the pandemic.

Notes:

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.