Management accused of ‘meddling’ in democratic vote by pressuring workers to accept deal  

All out bus strikes impacting Arriva Yorkshire depots in Castleford, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Selby and Wakefield will begin again tomorrow (Wednesday 13 July). 

Over 650 members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, have recorded a 53.7 per cent vote in favour of rejecting Arriva’s latest pay offer.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members have rejected Arriva’s offer – it must come back with an improved one. As part of a global transport giant, it can afford to do so.  

“Tensions have needlessly been raised by Arriva’s management meddling during the ballot. The company’s actions have severely backfired. It is entirely Arriva’s own fault that the strikes are back on.”  

The workers began strike action on 6 June over German-owned Arriva’s low pay, which means bus workers are struggling to make ends meet amid the cost of living crisis. Newly recruited bus drivers are paid only £9.78 an hour - just 28 pence above the minimum wage.

Strike action was suspended on 30 June to allow the Unite’s members to vote on the new offer from Arriva. Following the deal’s rejection, all out continuous strikes will begin again at 2am tomorrow morning. 

Unite regional officer Phil Brown said: “Strike action was suspended in good faith to allow our members to vote on Arriva’s new offer. Since then, Arriva’s management has gone out of its way to destroy any goodwill by interfering during the ballot, which is completely unacceptable. 

“Our members want to get back to work, but that requires Arriva to put forward a new offer and for the company to leave the workforce alone while they consider it.”

Nearly 2,000 Unite members employed by Arriva in the North West have recently voted to strike over pay, while 900 Arriva workers in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire are being balloted over the same issue.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Arriva Yorkshire bus strikes suspended as workers consider new offer 

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.