No guaranteed journeys: 'Furious' bus drivers walk out in fresh strike action
Members of the RMT union aren't working today (10 October) in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions across Somerset... the first of four days this autumn
More than a third of drivers who work for Buses of Somerset are walking out today in a dispute of pay, jobs and working conditions.
The RMT members agreed on the strike action - with operator First Bus and the union confirming it late last week.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Our members have no choice but to take strike action following an insulting and paltry pay offer.
"First Group is swimming in money and could easily pay bus workers a decent rise that goes some way to dealing with the escalating cost of living crisis.
"The public in Cornwall and Somerset who our members faithfully serve need a service that pays workers properly, so they do not leave the industry, creating chronic bus shortages.
"We are determined to win for our members, and we urge First Group to come to a negotiated settlement with RMT."
Out of their 650 operating buses across the regions of Somerset and Cornwall, 227 members of staff voted for the action, First Group have said.
However, the RMT say around 400 of their workers are 'furious' that many are paid £11 an hour... with bosses earning £1 more - despite operating profits of £226m, and £500m going out to shareholders.
Dispute over the pay offer means the group cannot guarantee the operation of any routes because questions remain over the level of staffing.
They're asking customers to check before they travel - and use alternatives means of getting around where it's possible to do so.
What does it mean for routes today?
Buses of Somerset have published guidance on what they think will happen - but reaffirm there are no guaranteed journeys.
- PR1 - Taunton Park and Ride - will run every 30 minutes
- 14 - 0731 from Shurton & Burton to Bridgwater College and the 1700 return journey will be operating
- 21 - 0730 from Rooks Bridge to Bridgwater College and the 1640 return journey will be operating
- 75 - 0720 from Wells to Bridgwater College and the 1640 return journey will be operating
- X10 - all buses to Blandford School, Sturminster Newton School and Yeovil College will be operating.
On the X10, they say buses scheduled for the rest of the day are 'subject to cancellations'.
The 10, 15, 623, and 625 will run as normal.
First Bus said: "There is likely to be a very limited service (both network & Taunton Park & Ride) operating this coming Monday 10th October, with no guaranteed journeys. In light of this we advise that our customers seek alternatives where possible.
"Unfortunately, no services are guaranteed, and the above is based on expected driver availability. Please check our Twitter @by_Kernow, @busesofsomerset and @adventuresbybus on the day to make sure.
"We apologise sincerely to all our customers for the inconvenience this will cause. We are doing everything possible to operate what services we can.
"We apologise sincerely to all our customers for the inconvenience this will cause. We are doing everything possible to operate what services we can."
The four dates scheduled for action across Somerset and Cornwall on these buses are October 10, October 21, November 4 and November 11.