7,500 bus workers could go on strike soon, says Unite

Around 7,500 bus workers are either striking or balloting to strike across the UK, trade union Unite has said.

Bus drivers and workers in Birkenhead, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Chorley, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Preston, Stoke and Swindon are currently involved in disputes, primarily involving pay.

Strikes involving 2,000 London United workers in West London, 1,000 First West of England drivers in Bristol and 70 Go South West workers in Swindon have already been announced. Strikes by 450 Cardiff Bus workers and 600 Stagecoach Newcastle workers will also go ahead if offers currently being balloted on are not agreed.

Further strikes involving more bus workers are planned at other towns and cities in the coming weeks.

“…driver pay simply does not reflect the stresses and strains of the job” – Unite general secretary Sharon Graham

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Bus employers everywhere need to get the message loud and clear: driver pay simply does not reflect the stresses and strains of the job. Fatigue, a lack of toilets, abuse and even assaults are a daily occurrence. Unite will fight tooth and nail for bus workers until wages and conditions improve across the sector.”