LONDON bus drivers have warned that transport bosses are in the “last-chance saloon” to avoid a wave of strikes against workplace exhaustion.

Unite has written to all London bus operators today seeking urgent meetings to begin developing a fatigue management system.

Their members are demanding that employers begin tackling feelings of fatigue and exhaustion among their 20,000 employees on bus routes.

Earlier this month, workers delivered a 97 per cent vote in favour of striking in a consultative ballot.

If talks prove fruitless between workers and employees, Unite will move to a full strike ballot.

Unite regional officer John Murphy said: “Make no mistake, London bus operators are now drinking in the last-chance saloon.

“Unite bus drivers have overwhelmingly voted in favour of industrial action. They are simply no longer prepared to cope with the devastating effects that permanent work-related fatigue is having on their physical and mental health, and diminishing their family lives.”