Bus services to be hit by two-day workers’ strike
THE company running dozens of bus services in Cornwall has been accused of trying to divide its workforce rather than show genuine willingness to find a resolution over pay talks.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers trade union (RMT) said its members will be on strike today and tomorrow after it received an 11th-hour belowpar offer from First Bus late on Friday last week, giving its members no time at all to discuss it.
The union said all 300 members had taken part in a ballot for strike action after negotiations with the company had failed to offer any significant pay rises to bus drivers in spite of the group’s recent pre-tax profit announcements of £139 million which is up 33% from the previous year.
The company blamed the union for the failed pay talks accusing the RMT of not putting First Bus’ offer to its members. As RMT members now prepare to hold picket lines in Penzance, Camborne and Taunton in Somerset, First South West said the industrial action will lead to disruption in the two counties.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch, said that despite the company’s profits and proposed dividends being 45 per cent higher than last year for its shareholders, First Bus only put forward a paltry pay rise offer for its staff.
He said: “Over the weekend, First Bus bosses put forward insulting pay offers that were not designed to end the dispute. The offers did not meet the members’ aspirations, were only aimed at bus drivers, and excluded other grades such as engineers, supervisors, clerical staff, and cleaners.
“First Bus bosses put no new money forward and also wanted drivers to trade off their hard-foughtfor terms and conditions in exchange for a measly pay rise.”
He added: “The company has shown no interest in trying to genuinely settle this dispute or look after the best interest of their employees. Instead, they have tried to divide the workforce and attack hard-fought terms and conditions of bus workers to push through a poor pay offer.”
As a result of the strike action, First Bus said its Buses of Somerset, Cornwall by Kernow and Adventures by Bus services will be impacted.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Unfortunately, despite making an improved offer, the RMT have refused to put this offer to their members and instead confirmed they will take strike action – which is completely unnecessary while negotiations are ongoing. This is extremely disappointing, as the RMT’s unwillingness to work with us not only impacts our colleagues but causes unnecessary disruption to our passengers who rely on the bus for work, education and important appointments.” They added: “We will be in touch with the RMT on next steps and would like to apologise to our customers for the disruption the strike action will cause.”
In Cornwall The Truro Park & Ride (PR1 / PR1A) will be the only registered bus service to operate a full timetable as normal. But customers should check for updates before travel as services may be subject to last-minute change or cancellation. All current school services (where schools are in) should still operate, including the AM/PM service on the U4. But parents and carers should check updates as school services may also be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
A modified U1/U1A service is expected between Falmouth and NewquayA Sunday service will operate on the 24, 29 and Atlantic Coaster routes.
All other services may operate pending on driver availability.