Metroline bus drivers in Potters Bar are set to go on strike in December over “unforgivable” pay rates offered by the company.

More than 2,000 drivers in London and Hertfordshire will strike on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15 and 16, with drivers struggling due to the cost of living crisis and poor pay rates.

The opening three days of industrial action will be in co-ordination with Abellio bus drivers in South and West London, who are also striking over their own pay dispute.

Metroline’s latest offer of a 10 per cent pay increase and nine per cent on back pay has been rejected, with it allegedly amounting to a real terms pay cut due to the real inflation rate standing at 14.2 per cent.

The Metroline drivers striking cover Brentford, Cricklewood, Edgware, Harrow Weald, Holloway, King’s Cross, Lampton, Perivale, Potters Bar and Willseden.

Sharon Graham, general secretary for Unite, the union supporting the strikes, has described Metroline’s pay rates as “unforgivable”, and claims it can afford to make a better offer to drivers than it has.

“Metroline is an exceptionally wealthy company and it is unforgivable that it is paying among the lowest driver pay rates in London,” she said.

“Rates of pay at Metroline are so low that workers simply can’t cope as the cost of living crisis continues to worsen.

“This is a company that can afford to pay but has chosen not to do so. Our bus driver members in London are receiving Unite’s complete support.”

Unite regional officer, Laura Johnson, added: “Strike action will undoubtedly cause severe disruption across London but this dispute is entirely of Metroline’s own making.

“The company has had every opportunity to address low pay rates and it has failed to understand that workers will not accept a pay cut disguised as an increase.”

Reacting to the strike actions, a Metroline spokesperson said: “Under recommendation from Unite the Union, drivers at three of our garages have already voted to accept a substantial 10 per cent pay increase with additional benefits.

“We are therefore deeply disappointed that Unite are now denying the very same offer that would ensure our drivers continue to be amongst the best paid in London, to all of our colleagues in others areas of the business.”