Bus bosses denounce new strikes – offer ‘makes drivers some of region’s best paid’

First Bus bosses have denounced further bus strikes in Oldham, saying their pay 15.2% offer to drivers will make them some of the best paid in the region.

The transport operator has also refuted claims by Unite the Union that its offer is ‘subpar’ or that there are problems with driver shortages, insisting the Oldham depot is fully staffed and there are no driver shortages.

But the union has responded with even more strike dates and a demand that the pay rise must be delivered as a single package.

Ian Humphreys, managing director of First Manchester, said: “We have been in discussions about pay since February and amended our ‘no strings’ offer to bring forward a further increase in pay to this October and this was rejected.

“This would have made our drivers some of the best paid in the region.”

First Manchester said it also provides among the best terms and conditions in the sector, including its sick pay scheme and pension benefits.

Strikes by around 360 Unite members are set to take place on July 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 28.

Ian Humphreys added: “Announcing further strike dates is not the way to get this situation resolved.

“Continued industrial action will be damaging to everyone and cause yet more severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.”

However, Unite has, this afternoon (July 18), set strike dates for August, and warned action will intensify unless the company amends its three-part offer to one instalment.

The new strike dates will run on July 31, and August 2, 4, 7, 10 and 11, with the warning that more strikes will be called if First Manchester does not put forward an improved offer.

Unite said the current offer would see a rise backdated from April, with another implemented from October and a final one in January.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “To First Manchester’s struggling drivers … receiving a full pay rise in one go will help relieve the financial pressures they are under from rising prices and historic low pay. Our members do a tough job, First Manchester needs to acknowledge that by providing a no-strings pay deal.”

Regional Unite officer, Colin Hayden, said: “This situation could have been resolved weeks ago were it not for First Mancheser’s bull headedness and greed. The company must come back with an offer that meets our members’ expectations.”

School services will continue to operate during strikes, together with the Vantage service from Bolton along the guided busway through Leigh and Atherton to Manchester and 184 service between Oldham-Huddersfield.

Tickets purchased on a strike day will not be refunded and customers are advised to check if a service is operating.

Customers with pre-bought tickets for strike dates will be given a refund or replacement tickets to use for future travel.