Commuter chaos as bus drivers strike
Dozens of First Manchester services across Greater Manchester are affected by the walkout.
Hundreds of bus drivers, members of Unite union, working for First Manchester Ltd will stage a one day strike on Tuesday 24 May over a series of serious breaches of longstanding industrial agreements.
Unite, which represents over 700 members working out of the Oldham and Queens Road depots, has accused the company of not honouring the collective bargaining agreement they entered into with workers and breaching the 2012 pay agreement.
The union’s members voted overwhelmingly for strike action after the company pushed through changes to conditions without negotiation in breach of the agreements.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s walk out, Unite regional officer Neil Clarke said: “It is with a heavy heart that our members have been left with no option but to strike. We regret any inconvenience and disruption caused to passengers, but they cannot and will not sit by and let their hard fought for agreements be trashed."
First Manchester says it's disappointed with the one day walkout.
The areas affected will be in Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and Trafford. Drivers at the Bolton, Bury, Rusholme and Tameside depots are unaffected and will be working normally on the 24 May.
Unite have said that the reason for the strike revolves around a trade dispute regarding changes to conditions, agreements and bargaining procedures, which First Manchester deny. First Manchester are still seeking clarification around the specific issues of the dispute and what resolution Unite require to bring the dispute to an end.
Adrian Worsfold, Director of Operations for First Manchester said, "I'm very disappointed Unite are going ahead with strike action despite our efforts to avoid industrial action. This will bring massive disruption to customers especially those in education, work and those needing to keep appointments as well as causing personal hardship to our driving team.
"This action is unnecessary and unjustified and we urge Unite to explain what resolution they are seeking to resolve the trade dispute. We ask Unite to call off this day of action and join us around the table with ACAS and to clarify what they are seeking to bring their dispute to an end."
First Manchester is currently reviewing contingency plans in the event that strike action cannot be avoided.
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