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.
