The dispute between First Cymru and its drivers has intensified, with Unite the Union accusing the company of “union‑busting” and treating staff “like second class citizens.”
It follows confirmation last week that strike action will escalate into a two‑month continuous walkout from 20 November until 21 January. The union has now sharpened its criticism of First Cymru, claiming the company has refused to pay back‑pay owed to staff and offered a £50 “bung payment” to encourage drivers to cross picket lines.
Union anger over pay
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“First Cymru is trying to take industrial relations back to the dark ages with its refusal to pay monies owed, attempts at union‑busting to get staff to cross picket lines and all the while paying some of the lowest wages in the industry. Unite never stands for such behaviour. First needs to think again about how it is treating its workforce.”
Drivers currently earn £13.40 per hour, Unite says, compared with £15 at Cardiff Bus and Arriva North Wales, £14.44 at Stagecoach South Wales, and £14.50 at Newport Transport. The union argues First is now the lowest payer among major operators, and warns that with the Real Living Wage set to rise to £13.45 in April 2026, the company’s pay structure will become “untenable.”
Regional impact
The strike covers depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford. Unite regional officer Alan McCarthy said:
“Driving a bus is a highly skilled job. Yet drivers for First Cymru are treated like second class citizens and have reached the end of their tether. They are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table for their families. Unite will be backing them every step of the way in this dispute.
“The communities of South Wales have been let down by First who see fit to short‑change their drivers and will now see the consequences of this as our members take to the picket line.”
Company profits under scrutiny
Unite has also highlighted First Group’s financial results, noting the transport giant made over £200 million profit last year and paid its chief executive more than £3 million.
What it means for passengers
The escalation means bus services across South and West Wales will remain severely disrupted throughout November, December and into January. First Cymru has previously warned the action will cause major disruption during the festive season, while the union insists the company could end the dispute with a fair pay offer.
