Bus workers set to stage all-out strike over pay dispute

Bus operator, Stagecoach Merseyside, will be hit by an all-out strike by staff at its Gilmoss depot later this month.

The 370 workers will begin continuous action on July 20. Prior to this, they will stage one day strikes on Friday, July 15, and Monday, July 18.

Members of trade union Unite held an initial day of strike action on July 4, linked to a pay dispute with bosses.

The shift from single days of action to an all-out strike has been sparked by the company’s failure to make an improved offer to staff, the union said.

Unite members had suspended a planned day of action on June 30, after the employer made a revised pay offer of more than 10%, according to Stagecoach.

However, this has been rejected.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Stagecoach is a wealthy company – it can easily afford to pay fairly and Unite is determined to ensure that it does.

“Our members simply want the rate for the job and are not going to accept being underpaid a moment longer. Stagecoach’s refusal to make an offer that would resolve this dispute has, however, resulted in an escalation in industrial action.

“Unite will be giving our members the union’s complete support until they receive an acceptable pay increase.”

The union said Stagecoach bus drivers are paid £12.69 an hour.

Unite regional officer, Dave Roberts, said: “Stagecoach has brought this dispute on itself by its refusal to make an offer which meets members’ expectations.

“Even at this late stage, the increased strike action and the resulting disruption this will cause to passengers can still be avoided if Stagecoach returns to the negotiating table and makes an improved offer.”

The dates for continuous strike action coincide with those already announced for Unite’s members at Arriva in the North West, in a dispute also about pay.