Thousands of bus drivers across north and west London will be on strike for seven days over low pay.

Metroline drivers, some of whom are paid as little as £13.13 an hour, are said to be “struggling to keep their heads above water” according to union Unite.

Several bus garages will be affected by the action, including Cricklewood, Willesden, Edgware, Harrow Weald, Holloway, Potters Bar, Kings Cross, Perivale, Lampton and Brentford.

Strikes will take place on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15 and 16.

Unite says that the first three days of action will be co-ordinated with Abellio bus drivers in south and west London – who have a separate industrial dispute over pay.

This will cause severe disruption across the capital.

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The union says that Metroline’s latest offer of a 10 per cent pay increase and nine per cent on back pay was rejected by the workforce, as it amounted to a “real terms pay cut” with the real inflation rate standing at 14.2 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Metroline is an exceptionally wealthy company and it is unforgivable that it is paying among the lowest driver pay rates in London.

“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.”

Times Series: Several areas in north and west London will be affectedSeveral areas in north and west London will be affected (Image: Davey2010)

A spokesperson for Metroline said: “Under recommendation from Unite the Union, drivers at three of our garages have already voted to accept a substantial 10% 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.”