Stagecoach bus drivers in Gloucestershire consider strike action
It's over fresh disputes about how much they're paid
Stagecoach bus drivers in Gloucestershire COULD take strike action next month over fresh disputes about pay.
Unite the Union members are taking part in a ballot vote which will decide whether strike action will be taken.
The drivers are taking action to combat low rates of pay.
Many of them are paid under £11 an hour, for what is a highly skilled, responsible and demanding role.
The dispute involves around 360 bus drivers based at depots in Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Coalway, and Ross-on-Wye.
The dispute can be resolved
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Low pay is the scourge of the bus industry. That's why Unite has been relentless in its campaign to ensure that our members at Stagecoach receive a fair pay increase.
“Unite is the union which always puts the jobs, pay and conditions of its members first. The union will be giving our members at Stagecoach West its full support until this dispute is resolved.”
Unite regional officer Shevaun Hunt said: "If strike action goes ahead it will inevitably cause disruption to bus passengers across the region. However this dispute is entirely of Stagecoach’s own making it can afford to make a fair pay offer but it has chosen not to.
“Unite is fully committed to further talks to resolve this dispute. It simply requires Stagecoach to return to the negotiating table with a pay offer which meets members’ expectations.”
Stagecoach call on Unite to put customers first
Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, said: “We really value our employees, who are doing a fantastic job under some challenging circumstances, and we agree that they deserve a good pay increase.
“Our people have previously benefitted from above inflation pay increases and we are continuing with that legacy.
"This year has been a greater challenge, but despite this, we have still put forward strong pay offers of between 5-10% to recognise the valuable role our people play in our communities, and that helps protect the long-term sustainability of the bus network.
“We would urge Unite to put customers first instead of creating more uncertainty for people who rely on their bus services to get to work, access public and other services, and stay in touch with their friends and families."