Bus services could be disrupted

Bus services in Lanarkshire could face disruption with workers due to be balloted on industrial action in a dispute over pay.

The union Unite confirmed that around 60 workers employed by First Glasgow will be involved in an imminent industrial action ballot.

First Glasgow is offering the group of workers, which includes bus cleaners and shunters, a 5.5 per cent rise over two years.

The offer was unanimously rejected in a recent consultative ballot in a 97 per cent turnout.

In December last year, more than 1300 First Glasgow bus drivers received inflation-busting pay rises of up to 21.5 per cent over two years depending on length of service. If the ballot for industrial action is successful then strike action is expected to take place from early May until late July.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “First Bus’ offer is a complete insult. It’s two pence less than the adult minimum wage for this year but with First Glasgow’s companies sitting on £12.6m in profits, they have no business whatsoever keeping workers on breadline wages.

“Our members are standing up against boardroom greed and will have the full support of Unite in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer, added: “Unite’s cleaners and shunters are the heart of the company, and the glue that keeps all of the other sections together; without this workforce, First Glasgow could not operate.”

Duncan Cameron, managing director for First Bus Scotland, said: “We have been notified by Unite of plans to conduct a consultative ballot on industrial action with fleet and facilities support members in First Glasgow. We are in negotiations with union representatives and constructive dialogue will continue.”