One Minute Silence At Putney Bus Depot

Tribute to transport workers who have died including local driver Edward John


image: @JoanneHarris2

Transport workers based at Putney Bus Depot held a minutes silence on the morning of Friday 17 April in memory of fellow workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus.

These include Edward John who was based at the depot and worked as a driver for the Go Ahead bus company.

Unite union, which has more than 20,000 members working on buses throughout the capital, heralded the ‘heart-breaking sacrifice’ of the 21 London transport workers, including 15 bus drivers, who have died keeping the capital's public transport network running in a time of ‘critical need’.



Unite said its members are ‘running out of patience’ with bus operators and Transport for London (TfL). Unite regional secretary for London, Pete Kavanagh, said: “Unite pays tribute to those bus workers who have died during the coronavirus pandemic and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this incredibly painful time. Their heart-breaking sacrifice, at a time of critical need, will never be forgotten.

He continued: “Far too many bus workers have lost their lives during this crisis and our members are well aware that the danger has still has not passed. Unite has 20,000 bus worker members across the capital. It is quite clear to us that they are running out of patience with the operators and TfL, and we share their frustrations.

And called for action to be taken: "TfL, the employers, the mayor and the government all need to urgently address all issues."

April 24, 2020