Another NINE days of strikes for Arriva

FOUR DAYS LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS EVE AFFECTED BY DISPUTE

ARRIVA bus drivers are to announce another NINE days of strike action in December – including a run of four days leading up to Christmas Eve.

The two trade unions involved had warned this week they were prepared to escalate the ongoing dispute over that has already seen several days of strike action across Greater Manchester.

Drivers and engineers at Arriva’s North West depots are already set to strike again next Monday, November 20, and the following week, Monday, November 27 as part of the already planned action, the latest of which took place on Monday.

Now members of the GMB and Unite unions are preparing for nine further days.

Those dates include one solid three-day block of strikes in midDecember – and then a four-day run up to Saturday, December 23.

On all strike days, so far all Arriva services in Greater Manchester have been cancelled.

Merseyside, Lancashire and parts of Cheshire have also been affected. And there could yet be more disruption with possible strike days on Northern Rail, over the role of the conductor.

Last Wednesday saw Arriva drivers and Northern staff strike on the same day, causing widespread disruption.

Eddie Parker, GMB regional secretary, said: “The trade union representatives made their decision yesterday. They will continue the action in December.”

Mr Parker said workers were still frustrated that Arriva had not arranged more talks since last week’s action.

Phil Stone, MD for Arriva North West: “Arriva tabled an improved offer for our drivers at last Tuesday’s meeting with Unite and GMB. We are still awaiting the results of Unite and GMB’s ballot to its members on this improved pay offer.

“It is disappointing therefore that UNITE and GMB have announced further unnecessary strike dates without first confirming the outcome of the ballot.” Drivers and engineers are taking action before Christmas

ALREADY PLANNED MONDAY, November 20 MONDAY, November 27

NEW DATES MONDAY, December 4 THURSDAY, December 7 TUESDAY, December 12 WEDNESDAY, December 13 THURSDAY, December 14 WEDNESDAY, December 20 THURSDAY, December 21 FRIDAY, December 22 SATURDAY, December 23