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Stagecoach bus drivers set to strike in pay dispute

Billy McCrorie A Stagecoach bus in its blue, white, green and orange design at a bus stop in Stranraer with a few people waiting in a shelterBilly McCrorie
Drivers at depots across southern and western Scotland will go on strike

Stagecoach bus drivers in the south and west of Scotland are set to strike in a dispute over pay.

The Unite union described the 4% offer to its 500 members - operating out of depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer - as "unacceptable".

It said that despite ongoing talks with Stagecoach West Scotland there had been no improved deal offered and strike action would now take place over a string of dates in May.

The company said it was "disappointed" by the decision and urged the union to return to the negotiating table.

Strike action will take place on 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19 and 23 May.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite's members in Stagecoach West Scotland are being forced to take strike action because of an unacceptable pay offer.

"It is a profitable company and it can easily afford to put a fairer offer on the table for its hard working drivers.

"We will fully back our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions."

The union said the offer would still leave workers among the poorest paid across Stagecoach's UK operations.

Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, added: "Unite's members have no option but to take strike action to get a fair pay rise.

"They are simply seeking pay parity.

"Strike action during May is set to bring bus services to a stop but the blame for any disruption lies squarely with Stagecoach."

Stagecoach said the move would "significantly impact" its customers.

"Despite our best efforts to reach an agreement and avoid industrial action, we must now focus on putting practical plans in place to support our customers during this challenging period," said a spokesperson.

"We have a crucial role in helping people stay connected with their communities, and we are working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption."

It said the pay offer would have increased hourly rates by more than 15% over two years.

It added that it came on the back of a previous two-year deal which saw basic pay increase by 13%.

Stagecoach said that it remained committed to reaching a "fair and sustainable agreement" with the drivers.