‘Underpaid’ First Cymru drivers set for continuous strike as union demands ACAS talks

Union says Welsh drivers earn less than Bristol colleagues

Unite the Union has warned that bus services across South and West Wales face major disruption from next week, as drivers prepare to begin a continuous strike lasting until 21 January 2026.

The union says its members in Wales are “underpaid” compared to colleagues in Bristol, despite working under the same operating company. Bristol drivers earn £17 an hour, while Welsh drivers are paid £13.40.

Unite confirmed that the latest offer from First Cymru — £14.07 per hour — was rejected, citing concerns that the company intended to withhold the majority of back pay owed to workers.

Union calls for ACAS mediation

Unite representatives said their “door has always been open” for talks and criticised First Cymru for failing to take up earlier proposals to involve ACAS in mediation.

“They contacted us ahead of the previous industrial action, which lasted for four days from the 5th of November, proposing ACAS. We said absolutely. They said it would be on the basis that the industrial action was withdrawn, and our drivers were not prepared to do that,” the union said.

“We’re now sitting here in November still waiting for an acceptable offer. The employer has delayed and delayed and delayed. So our members were adamant that they will take that industrial action.”

First Cymru says strikes ‘unnecessary and disruptive’

In a statement issued on 5 November, Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was “deeply frustrated” by the union’s decision to announce two months of strikes.

“These are unnecessary and, most importantly, they will be hugely disruptive to our customers during the festive period when many hope to use buses to shop, meet friends and family and enjoy Christmas parties. It is within the hands of the union to stop this action,” he said.

Mr Claringbold added: “We have always maintained an open dialogue with the union and while they continue to reject our offers we still hope to find a solution to encourage the union to call off their strikes. We have been committed to improving the pay of drivers, and alongside our above inflation offer, we continue to invest in staff facilities and conditions, and a range of benefits, including healthcare schemes.”

He confirmed that revised timetables would be published on the company’s website and urged passengers to check before travelling.

Six‑day countdown to walkout

On social media, Unite Wales warned that First Cymru now has just six days before drivers return to the picket lines.

“Again, we call on First Cymru to do the right thing and end this dispute before Christmas,” the union posted. “Our members do not want to disrupt the general public, particularly over Christmas, but until First make a decent pay offer and release their back pay, strike action will continue.”

What it means for passengers

The strike is set to run continuously until 21 January 2026, covering the entire festive period. Bus services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire are expected to be heavily affected, with both sides urging dialogue but standing firm on their positions.