Bus workers in Somerset and Cornwall strike over pay dispute
Buses of Somerset, Cornwall by Kernow and Adventures by Bus services will be impacted
Bus workers in the RMT union are walking out in Somerset and Cornwall in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
The 48 hour strike action at First South West started on Tuesday (23rd July).
More than 300 workers will be at the picket lines across the South West, including in Penzance and Taunton.
Buses of Somerset, Cornwall by Kernow and Adventures by Bus services will be impacted.
First Bus South West have apologised for the disruption that customers may experience during the strikes.
In an online statement, the RMT union said: "First South West has repeatedly failed to put forward acceptable offers to bus workers, despite the parent company, First Group, announcing pre-tax profits of ÂŁ139 million, up 33% from the previous year.
"The offers did not meet the members' aspirations, were only aimed at bus drivers, and excluded other grades such as Engineers, Supervisors, Clerical Staff, and Cleaners."
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "First South West has shown no interest in trying to genuinely settle this dispute or look after the best interest of their employees.
"Instead, they have tried to divide the workforce and attack hard-fought terms and conditions of bus workers to push through a poor pay offer.
"Our members voted overwhelmingly for strike action and are not interested in pitiful last-minute offers that do not meet their pay aspirations and ultimately seek to undermine their conditions of work.
"The strike action will go ahead and our members are ready to maintain their industrial campaign until they can win a decent pay rise."
In a statement, First Bus South West said: “Unfortunately, despite making an improved offer, the RMT have refused to put this offer to their members and instead confirmed they will take strike action - which is completely unnecessary while negotiations are ongoing.
“This is extremely disappointing, as the RMT’s unwillingness to work with us not only impacts our colleagues but causes unnecessary disruption to our passengers who rely on the bus for work, education and appointments.
“The RMT were invited to continue to engage with us next week instead of striking but they’ve decided to proceed with their planned action.
“We will be in touch the RMT on next steps and would like to apologise to our customers for the disruption the strike action will cause in Cornwall and Somerset.”