Two-day bus strike could hit more than 130 services
PAY DISPUTE WALK-OUT WOULD ALSO AFFECT SCHOOL BUSES
MORE than 130 First bus services – including 74 school buses – could be cancelled if a planned two-day drivers’ strike goes ahead.
First bosses say they are working on a contingency plan to reduce disruption, but admit the timing, on June 12 and 13, could hit students during exam time.
The walk-out over pay would involve 850 drivers at the Oldham and Queen’s Road depots, of which 790 are in the Unite union.
It’s expected to affect ‘most services’ which run from the two hubs – including those to Tameside Hospital.
As a result, all other public transport and Greater Manchester’s roads are expected to be busier, especially at peak morning and evening times, with key commuter routes forecast to face the most pressure. Commuters are being warned to expect disruption.
Phil Medlicott, managing director at First Manchester, said: “We are extremely disappointed that drivers from two of our depots have decided to strike. We are working with the Union to try and come to an agreement that will not lead to a two-day strike, 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.” He added: “We will endeavour to communicate as fully as possible with our customers what services will be affected, but in the meantime we are continuing to talk to the Union and wish to find a resolution to this matter, which does not involve strike action.”
Negotiations over drivers’ rates of pay have been ongoing since October last year. The Union’s most recent request was for a 1.5 per cent increase plus two days’ extra holiday.
They have also asked that by October 2018, all drivers are moved to the top rate of pay.
But First, which closed its Bury and Tameside depots this year to save money, says it has offered a ‘fair pay offer’ in light of their efforts to reduce operating costs.
The M.E.N. has contacted Unite for comment.
See manchestereveningnews. co.uk for a full list of the services that could be affected.