Stagecoach bus strikes back on

A strike by Stagecoach bus drivers in the west of Scotland is back on after a breakdown of pay talks between union leaders and the company.

Strike action which was due to happen earlier this month was suspended to allow for more negotiations, but now the Unite union says around 430 of its members will take action across the next six weeks.

The union says last minute pay talks did not lead to an improvement in an "unacceptable" 4% pay offer previously rejected by members.

The action will affect Stagecoach buses operating out of several depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock servicing bus routes in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

Strikes start next week

Strike action will take place on May 26 and June 2 and 6 and will be followed by six weeks of continuous action starting on June 9 and lasting until July 21.

Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: "Stagecoach West Scotland have not improved their pay offer in six months.

"The drivers are being asked to fund a pay rise by working longer hours, taking longer unpaid breaks and losing a week of annual leave.

"This is simply unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated by Unite.

"Widespread and prolonged industrial action is set to hit bus services across the west of Scotland because this company doesn't seem capable of listening to its workers.

"It's not right that the drivers are the lowest paid across the whole of the Stagecoach group. Our members deserve a fair rate and that's what we are determined to get for them."

Vote for strike action

Unite said members voted by 98% to take industrial action after rejecting the 4% pay offer which was tabled last November.

The union said the current pay offer is "unacceptable" and claimed it would leave the drivers among the poorest paid across Stagecoach's UK operations.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The company can end this dispute at any moment by putting forward a fair offer."

Bus company urges return to talks

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "Following further discussions with Unite, our staff across Dumfries and Galloway have accepted a two year pay deal that will see their hourly rate of pay increase by nearly 12% (11.8%)

“Our Ayrshire staff have, however, rejected this same offer of 11.8%, and despite our best efforts to reach an agreement and avoid industrial action we must now focus on putting practical plans in place to support our customers during this challenging period. We have a crucial role in helping people stay connected with their communities.

“On Monday 26th May, Monday 2nd June and Friday 6th June, services will operate as normal from our Cumbernauld, Dumfries and Stranraer depots with reduced services from our Ayrshire depots. The details of the services being operated can be found on our website.

“We urge Unite to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table. Our commitment remains to reach a fair and sustainable agreement - one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across West Scotland."

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• Stagecoach