Bus drivers on routes from Brentford to Ealing and White City are to be balloted for strike action.

Their union Unite says it will shortly announce the balloting of its 4,000 plus members at Metroline over the company's proposal to introduce remote sign-on for drivers.

In Brentford Metroline provides the 237, E2 and E8 services, although routes across west London could be affected.

Remote sign-on means rather than starting work at a depot, they will meet their bus at a bus stop.

The union says this means drivers will not be checked for fitness to work and it also exposes them more to Covid-19.

Unite said: "Unite argues that there is no benefit to passengers, and in fact, remote sign on could cause disruption to services.

"There are also major safety implications, as there are no checks to ensure a driver is fit for work.

"Furthermore, forcing the driver to travel to a bus stop to begin driving will result in them being at greater risk of exposure to Covid.

"Unite has calculated that the introduction of remote sign on will equate to an immediate seven per cent cut in wages on average for affected workers."

A Metroline spokesperson told Nub News: "We have actively engaged with Unite on introducing new sign-in procedures for over a year.

"New arrangements at two of our garages have been well received with more volunteers than we could accommodate.

"We are disappointed Unite is preparing a formal ballot for strike action. It is even more disappointing that a number of the claims made by Unite are absolutely not accurate.

"We categorically reject allegations that this could negatively impact safety and it is incorrect to state that drivers will not be tested for fitness to drive as Managers and Supervisors will continue to be sent to points to carry out random checks, and drivers will still be subject to stringent drugs and alcohol testing.

"We have sought to work very closely with Unite throughout the pandemic, a time during which many drivers chose to sign on remotely because it encourages social distancing.

"Our risk assessment shows that potential exposure to Covid-19, is reduced by remote sign in which clearly helps promote social distancing.

"Our drivers will additionally benefit from improved work life balance and importantly, reduced fatigue. We remain open to further discussions with Unite."