Welsh bus workers employed by First Cymru have begun further strike action today (Thursday 30 October) after rejecting the latest pay offer from their employer.
Strike action declared for 31 October, and 1, 2 5, 6, 7 and 8 November will also take place. The workers have indicated a willingness to take part in further action over the Christmas period. Depots affected include Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverford West and Ammanford.
The workers, who are members of union Unite, voted to reject the new offer because they said it still withheld back pay. They argue that when looking at the pay rates at other operators in Wales, or at First Bus in Bristol, they are up to £3 per hour worse off.
According to the union, the workers, and drivers in particular, do an difficult job and withholding the full value of back pay is angering them. It added that First Cymru also pays new recruits a lower wage for 12 months, which creates a two-tier workforce.
A First Bus Cymru spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed for our customers to confirm that the above-inflation pay offer made to our employees, including drivers, has been rejected. Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to feedback from Unite members and made several offers in an effort to reach agreement and avoid disruption for those who rely on our services.
“Unfortunately, Unite has chosen to proceed with strike action, which will affect our customers. Our door remains open to negotiation and we continue to seek a resolution. We are liaising with the union and will provide updates as we approach those dates.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “First Cymru is guilty of trying to deny workers the back pay they are fully entitled to, in order to line its own pockets. Our members have roundly rejected this latest offer which denies them pay justice and they have Unite’s complete support throughout this dispute.”
