NW bus drivers to strike next week

NW bus drivers to strike next week.
Bus drivers in Bolton, Bury and Wigan are set to start a series of 24-hour strikes next Friday (September 11th). Stikes have been planned for Monday, September 14th, and the following two Mondays.

Unite has confirmed that over 800 First Bus workers, the majority of them drivers, will take part in the action, which follows First Group's imposition pay freeze.

As with other pay freezes this is no more than using the current recession to freeze or cut pay. First Bus made an annual profit of £134m.

Talks with cACAS have failed to resolve the dispute but both parties will meet mid week for further talks.

Unite's industrial organiser Bobby Morton said: "This decision to impose a zero per cent pay deal is based on greed. First Group made millions of pounds in profit this year, despite the recession, yet are refusing to play fair by the employees who helped deliver these results. These workers are already struggling in the recession to support their families - they need support from their employer and this insulting pay offer is simply not acceptable. This dispute could be resolved if the company returns to the table with a reasonable pay offer."

The strike action follows a resounding yes vote at the ballot box. Pickets will be out at depots in Bury, Bolton and Wigan.