No Arriva bus services running across Merseyside as drivers stage strike in row over pay
Members of the Unite and GMB unions are walking out for 24 hours.
No Arriva bus services are running across Merseyside today (Thursday 19th October) as more than 2,000 workers are staging strike action.
Members of the GMB and Unite Unions have walked out for 24 hours in a row over pay.
The strike action began at 3.30am this morning.
More than 200 thousand passengers will be affected- they're are being urged to use Stagecoach bus or Merseyrail services instead.
Drivers and engineers are planning to stage further strike action on 23rd and 30th October if the dispute hasn't been resolved.
Phil Stone, managing director for Arriva North West said: “It is disappointing that following a further meeting with Unite and GMB yesterday and two improved offers being made they are proceeding with disruptive strike action. We believe that we have tabled a fair pay deal for our drivers in the region.
“Arriva North West wholeheartedly apologises to our customers for the disruption this strike action will cause to their journeys. However we can confirm that Arriva customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Merseyside will be able to use them on the Merseyrail network, and that all Arriva tickets will be accepted on the Stagecoach Quality Network Routes.
“We remain committed to working together with UNITE and GMB to reach a mutually acceptable outcome, however any pay increase has to be sustainable for the business going forward. We are urging our trade union colleagues to reconsider their position and get back round the negotiating table and call off the strike action that will unnecessarily disrupt many thousands of passengers.”
Arriva urges all customers to check one of the following outlets before they travel:
● Customers can follow Arriva on Twitter on @arrivanorthwest and Facebook @northwestarriva for further information about the services relating to the strike dates.
● Customers can also enquire about their local bus service by contacting Arriva North West customer services on 0344 800 44 11.
● Customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Merseyside can check the Merseyrail website for route options: https://www.merseyrail.org/
● Customers can also check details about the Stagecoach Quality Network Routes on the Merseytravel website: https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/travelling-round/timetables/pages/bus-timetables.aspx