Bus drivers to strike across south Yorkshire
8th July 2009
Workers at the First South Yorkshire bus company will take 24
hour strike action over pay this Friday (10th July), bringing First
Bus routes across Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster to a
standstill.
The bus drivers are furious that the bus company claims there is no
money for a pay increase despite the company posting profits of
£122 million for 2008.
Talks through ACAS broke down yesterday (7th July) after the
company failed to make a fair and satisfactory offer to the
workers. Instead, the company put forward proposals that would have
saved money for the company, including relinquishing two bank
holidays and working for free.
77 per cent of bus drivers who took part in the ballot voted for
strike action.
Unite regional industrial organiser, Steve Clark said: "Our members
have been left with no other choice but to take strike action this
Friday. First Group made £122 million in 2008 but there is a group
mandate of no pay awards for bus workers. This is unacceptable, our
members are right to expect a reasonable pay increase and the
company is wrong to offer nothing to its employees.
"The commercial director at First South Yorkshire tried to justify
the company's position by claiming our members earned £30,000 a
year, but a bus driver would have to work nine hours a day, 365
days a year to earn that amount of money.
"We are urging the company to return to the negotiating table and
make a reasonable offer that recognises our members' hard
work."
At the talks with ACAS the company put forward an offer of 2.9 per
cent in return for changes to working practices including
relinquishing two bank holidays and not being paid for the time
spent booking in for work and checking the bus before beginning the
shift. Checking the bus is a legal requirement. The union believes
that the proposed changes would mean savings for the company above
its pay offer of 2.9 per cent.
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
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