Bus workers take to the picket line in Medway (Pic: Steve Wilkins )
Bus drivers working for Arriva in Medway, Kent, struck on Friday of last week and Monday of this week.
The Unite union members are in dispute over new timetables and schedules.These have left drivers behind the wheel for five and a half hours without a proper break or access to toilet facilities.
Arriva brought in new timetables without consultation. This angered passengers as it cut off bus routes necessary for people to get to work or shop.
Arriva has said it will bring in revised timetables in January but will not make any acceptable adjustments for drivers in the meantime.
There were mass pickets of drivers at the Gillingham depot on both days. They have been overwhelmed by the degree of support they have received from other trade unionists and the public.
Driving Test Examiners came down from their picket at the Gillingham Test Centre on Friday to support bus strikers.
Talks were set to take place on Tuesday. But if the dispute is not resolved, drivers will strike on Monday of next week and every Monday through January until the new timetables come in.
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