MORE than 20,000 bus drivers started voting yesterday on whether to go on strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of Unite working for 18 bus operators in London are campaigning to secure a capital-wide agreement over wages, terms and conditions.

The union pointed out that, in contrast to Tube drivers, there is no collective pay deal for bus drivers, leading to wage disparities of more than £2 an hour.

Pay varies from £9.30 to £11.46 an hour, said Unite.

The ballot closes on December 18, raising the possibility of strike action in the new year.

Unite London regional officer Wayne King said: "Pay on London buses has become a farce.

"It is not only inefficient but it is leading to pay inequality and resentment among the men and women who keep London on the move 24 hours a day."