BUS drivers from Leyton are among more than 2,500 striking across east London today, as transport services are crippled.

Members of the Unite union who work for the East London Bus and Coach Company walked out from 3am this morning as part of a 48-hour strike in protest at a pay freeze.

There are currently reduced services or cancellations on 58 routes , including the 69, 158, 230 and 257 services which run through Waltham Forest.

Routes serving Ilford, Romford and Stratford are also affected.

Unite this week warned that London is "facing a significant wave of strikes that threaten the capital's transport.

This week EDF employees who work on the Underground voted in favour of strike action and a result of a separate ballot of Tube workers will be announced on Monday.

Unite members working for First Group buses have also voted in favour of industrial action.

Steve Hart, Unite regional secretary, said: "These ballot results show the absolute unity and determination of our members to defend their living standards.

"A pay freeze is totally unacceptable.

"We will not stand by and allow these cuts in the real living standards of our members."

East London says its drivers are among the best paid in the capital, with basic salaries ranging from £28,121 to £31,317.

The full list of affected services: D3, 5, 8, 15 (including Heritage Route 15), 25, 26, 30, 48, 55, 56, 62, 69, 86, 97, 101, 103, 104, 106, 115, 145, 147, 158, 169, 175, 205, 230, 238, 241, 247, 257, 262, 276, 277, 287, 294, 296, 300, 325, 330, 366, 369, 376, 387, 396, 473, 496, 608, 647, 674, 678, 687, N8, N15, N26, N55, N86 and N550.

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