Unite announces new dates for Manchester First Bus strike action
29th September 2009
Unite the union members working at First Bus, Manchester, will
take further strike action next week as the deadlock to reach a
negotiated settlement over a zero per cent pay offer continues.
Unite has announced that all 833 members will take part in a
further four days of strike action on Monday 5th, 12th, 19th and
26th October 2009 which will continue to disrupt vital bus services
from the Wigan, Bolton and Bury depots.
Drivers have already held four 24-hour stoppages in the last few
weeks as First Bus management is still refusing to give employees a
fair pay rise.
Unite is still open to talks and turned to the conciliation
service Acas on Friday 25th September in the latest attempt to
resolve the pay dispute and prevent strike action but First Bus
failed to break the deadlock.
Unite industrial organiser, Bobby Morton, said: “The
determination among our members is resolute. We will continue
strike action until First Bus do the right thing and engage in
meaningful talks. We have extended numerous invitations to
First Bus to prevent this situation. First Bus' actions - or
lack of them - are a disgrace.
“We went to Acas to help fight our case but First Bus seems
happy to sit tight rather than get round the table with the union
and stop further disruption to the people of Manchester.
“Our members have made it clear that they will not sit back and
do nothing while First Bus sits on piles of cash. We hope this new
wave of strike action will make First Bus listen to its
employees.
“We are urging First Bus to put a fair pay offer on the table
and put an end to strike action.”
Unite members working in First Bus are holding a national
delegates meeting on Thursday 1st October to discuss First’s
national pay freeze.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
A picket line will be in place from 04:00 am at Wigan, Bolton
and Bury depots.
- First Manchester, Melverley Street, Wigan WN5 3AH
- First Manchester, Weston Street, Bolton BL3 2AW
- First Manchester, Rochdale Road, Bury BL9 0QZ
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