Company “disappointed” as talks fail
Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was “disappointed for our customers” that its “above inflation pay offer” had been rejected.
He added:
“Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to Unite the Union member feedback and made a number of offers in order to try and settle this dispute, to ensure customers who rely on our services are not affected by strike action.
Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite the Union has decided to press ahead with strikes, affecting our customers. Our door remains open to negotiation.”
The company said it will shortly publish details on its website about which services will be affected.
Strike dates confirmed
Unite the Union has confirmed that strike action will take place on the following dates (inclusive):
- Thursday 30 October – Sunday 2 November
- Wednesday 5 November – Saturday 8 November
The union has previously warned that strike action would “shut down” the bus network across South and West Wales.
Background
The dispute has been ongoing for several weeks. Earlier this month, strike action was postponed after a new pay offer was tabled by First Cymru full story here.
Unite has consistently argued that drivers deserve a fairer deal, warning that without improved pay, services and communities would continue to suffer. The union has also said that First Cymru’s drivers are among the lowest paid in the UK bus industry.
Previous coverage:
- Unite: First Cymru strike will shut down bus network across Wales
- First bus strike to cause major disruption across South and West Wales
What happens next
With strike dates now confirmed, passengers across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire face significant disruption.
First Cymru says its “door remains open” to Unite for further talks, but unless an agreement is reached, services will be severely reduced or cancelled during the strike periods.
No mention if the backpay owed to drivers which is a central issue of the dispute.
The days and dates don’t line up. Is it Wed 29th or Thursday 30th the first day?