Buses go on strike EVERY Monday for month

ACTION COULD HIT 43 ROUTES IF MORE THAN 600 STAFF AGREE TO WALK OUT

A MAJOR bus drivers’ strike is set to cause disruption to passengers during every Monday of October.

Commuters who use First Manchester are being warned to plan ahead for the action on October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

A total of 43 routes will be affected if the walk-out by 679 staff members from the operator’s Bolton and Rusholme depots goes ahead. That’s most services which run from those branches.

They include 33 Bolton services, three Rusholme routes – and seven school buses.

All public transport and Greater Manchester’s roads are expected to be busier as a result, especially at peak morning and evening times.

Key commuter routes are forecast to face the most pressure as people affected by the strike make alternative arrangements.

First bosses are still hoping the dispute with Unite the Union can be resolved – but are preparing for a worst case scenario. Bus services from First Manchester’s Oldham and Queens Road depots are unaffected, including Manchester’s Metroshuttle.

The dispute follows the rejection of a pay offer by First Manchester. First Manchester staff at other depots are understood to have accepted the offer.

Phil Medlicott, managing director at First Manchester, said: “We’re extremely disappointed that staff from two of our depots have decided to take strike action despite a very reasonable pay offer.

“We are working with the union to try and come to a solution that will avoid strike action, but it’s clear that the union is intent on causing the maximum amount of disruption and inconvenience. I am truly sorry that our customers will be affected if the industrial action does go ahead.

“We will be working very hard over the next few days to finalise our contingency plans and establish what level of service we will be able to provide.”

The M.E.N. has contacted Unite for a comment. Bolton