Around 430 Stagecoach drivers across the west of Scotland have begun strike action starting today (9 June) over an escalating pay dispute.
Stagecoach West Scotland operates out of depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, and Kilmarnock, across bus routes in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow.
The six weeks of continuous action will last until 21 July, following the drivers’ rejection of a basic 4% pay offer. Out of an 81% turnout, 98% of bus drivers backed strike action.
The drivers have stated they are striking because they have been asked to work longer hours, take longer unpaid breaks and potentially lose up to one week’s annual leave.
Trade union Unite has claimed that the 4% pay offer would result in the drivers being the poorest paid across Stagecoach’s UK operations.
A Stagecoach West Scotland spokesperson said: “Regrettably, the industrial action will disrupt our services and inconvenience our customers. As we play a crucial role in helping people stay connected with their communities, we plan to operate a limited service with the drivers available. We’re working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption, but unfortunately, the limited services we’re running will affect customers travelling in and around Ayrshire.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “Stagecoach West Scotland is taking our members for a ride because they are profitable. The pay offer on the table leaves them the poorest paid drivers across Stagecoach’s UK operations. That is simply unacceptable. Unite will back our drivers all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Siobhan McCready, industrial officer at Unite, said: “The pay dispute could have been resolved months ago if the employer made an offer which pays the Stagecoach West Scotland drivers similarly to other drivers across the country. The drivers should be treated with equal worth by Stagecoach. Unite’s door always remains open for negotiation, but there must be an improved pay offer or else we have nothing new to discuss.”
