MORE than 1,500 bus drivers will go on strike against poor working conditions in hot weather from this month, Unite said today.

The union accused Arriva North of ignoring repeated complaints by drivers over dangerously ineffective air cooling systems.

It warned the units have only reduced driver cab temperatures by around two or three degrees Celsius during the recent heatwaves.

This has led to drivers working in 40°C heat and suffering health problems including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration, said Unite.

It warned several days of strikes between August 14 to October 20 will cause “huge disruption” to north London and Essex services.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused the firm of failing to act, saying this was “completely unacceptable.”

Arriva London managing director Wasim Mohammed said that the firm is “investing in longer-term fixes, including cab air conditioning upgrades and our ongoing investment in new fleet.”