Bus strikes affecting Stagecoach Merseyside’s entire operation are set to go ahead next Monday (July 4) as the workforce takes a stand against low pay.

The action will involve 370 members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, employed as bus drivers and engineers based at Stagecoach’s Gilmoss depot.

Low pay

Strike action planned for today (Thursday 30 June) was called off to allow the workforce to be balloted on Stagecoach’s latest offer. However, members overwhelmingly decided that it did not meet their expectations. 

Unite says its members’ anger over low pay at Stagecoach is deep-seated and that pay rates are below those of competitors in the region.

Wealthy company

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Stagecoach makes money hand over fist. Our members are making it abundantly clear that they will not accept being underpaid by this wealthy company any longer.

 “Stagecoach can easily afford to pay its workers a decent wage but its repeated refusal to do so is why these strikes will go ahead. Our members at Stagecoach will receive the union’s complete support until this dispute is resolved.”

Increased profits

Stagecoach’s  accounts for the second half of 2021 revealed that profits had more than doubled from £16.1 million to £32.9 million.

If the dispute is not resolved then it is expected that further dates for industrial action will be announced in the near future.

Disruption inevitable 

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “Strike action will undoubtedly cause severe disruption to bus services across Merseyside. This is a direct result of drivers having to endure years of low pay. They have made it entirely clear that this is no longer acceptable.

“Even at this late stage strikes could be avoided but Stagecoach needs to return to the negotiating table and make an offer that tackles the long-term problems that have created this dispute.”

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Merseyside braced for bus disruption as Stagecoach workers announce strikes

Notes to editors:

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Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.