Further bus disruption as more strikes announced in Manchester

Unite, the UK’s leading union representing workers in passenger transport, has announced six more strike dates at Manchester’s Bee Network.

All Trafford buses are affected with only the 5A and some school buses running, the 5A from Warrington goes through Partington and ends up at Sale Metrolink Station.

Over 2,000 workers across the integrated transport network including bus drivers will walk out on 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24 October after talks between Unite and the employer failed to reach a deal. These strike dates are additional to the strikes planned from 30 September to 2 October.

The dispute is regarding pay, with Unite members at the companies saying offers do not reflect the difficult jobs they do and also fail to address years of low pay. Meanwhile, Stagecoach, Metroline and First Bus Rochdale (part of First Group PLC), are all highly-profitable firms.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our bus workers do a difficult job day in day out, but are left struggling with low pay while their employers line their pockets.

“Unite will not back down until our members are paid fairly. They have Unite’s full backing every step of the way.”

Previous coordinated strikes by the workers – who are employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester and First Bus Rochdale – earlier this month have already caused major delays and cancellations to bus services in the city.

The latest strike dates announced coincide with several events including shows by bands Busted v McFly and comedian Jason Manford. They will also cause disruption to those travelling to the city the weekend of the Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday 12 October.

Unite believe it is clear from discussions with the employers and Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) that when they bid for contracts to be part of the Bee Network, they failed to account for adequate pay rises for their staff.

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “It is obvious to us the employers and TFGM are proposing that frontline staff have to bear the brunt of their financial inadequacy. Questions need to be asked about why this was not highlighted and corrected during the tendering process.

“There has also been a total disregard for the difficult jobs bus workers do all day throughout this dispute. These are frontline workers who deserve more.

“We appreciate these strikes are very disruptive to the general public but the employers and TGFM must change course and come back to the negotiating table with a fair offer.”