Misery for Leeds bus users as further strike action takes place
More delays and cancellations as Unite members from Leeds First walk out in a pay dispute.
Leeds bus users are facing another day of delays and cancellations as drivers from Leeds First buses walk out in an ongoing dispute with drivers and other staff.
The industrial action is part of a row over pay, with Unite members calling for an extra 36p an hour. The Unite group rejected a pay offer from the firm at a union branch meeting last month.
It's expected around 80% of First services will face disruption.
First Leeds have given us the following statement.....
First Leeds are disappointed to confirm that Unite are set to bring more suffering to Leeds bus users with strike action on Friday 8 July and Monday 11 July. Unite have announced a 24 hour strike from 2am on Friday 8 July and a 6 hour strike from 4am on Monday 11 July. The strike action over pay is being held despite the company offering a revised proposal after further talks with the Union. The proposal would have provided a pay increase well above inflation and met Unite's request for a 36p per hour increase. Unite have to date, refused to put the company's proposal to all drivers. Paul Matthews, managing director of First Leeds said, "To try and bring this dispute to an end we've offered a revised deal, again providing a substantial pay increase way above inflation, that Unite have refused to put to all drivers for their consideration. Yet again this will mean our customers will suffer because of this unnecessary action by Unite. "I will continue to do all I can to resolve the dispute but I won't be forced to introduce a pay increase the company cannot afford and would push fares up for customers." The pay dispute only affects First Leeds and First bus services in Bradford, Huddersfield and Halifax are unaffected Information on services that will be provided on Friday (8 July) and Monday (11 July) will be updated via www.firstgroup.com/leeds and @firstwestyorks