Strike action looms at First West Yorkshire

The prospect of a strike by bus drivers in Bradford has moved closer after
77% voted in favour of action.

The union, Unite, is scheduled to hold more talks with First West Yorkshire on February 16. But Unite’s regional officer Darren Rushworth said “strike action remains very much on the cards if no progress is made”.

The drivers have previously rejected the company’s pay offer of 1.9% from last October and a further 1.8% from October 2022.

Tom Bridge, operations director of First West Yorkshire, said: “We are disappointed in the ballot result, but continue to be engaged in constructive talks with union representatives to find an agreement and avert any potential for industrial action.”

Any strike action would affect more than 300 bus drivers. The Bradford dispute follows similar action by First drivers in Manchester, as well as Arriva frivers in London, Essex and Kent, and Stagecoach bus drivers in Swindon.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The offer to our members by the bosses at First West Yorkshire is truly pathetic given the looming scale of the cost-of-living crisis which will be a catastrophe for millions of working people.

“They need to come forward with a decent pay offer that reflects the stressful work that our members do on a daily basis.”

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