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Disruption expected as more than 1000 bus drivers prepare to strike
More than 1,000 bus drivers will be going on strike in September, as they unite to call for better pay.
Between September 4 to 8 and September 16 to 19, drivers from six regional First Bus depots, including three in Bristol, will be out of action.
The strike comes after the drivers, who are members of trade union Unite, participated in a ballot for industrial action, following their rejection of a two-year pay deal from First Bus.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Bus and Coach station is one of three depots that will be affected by the strikes in September
The proposed two-year deal, if accepted, would mean the hourly pay for drivers would be increased by £1 until March 2026, followed by an even lower 30p hourly increase from April 2026.
In a statement to Bristol24/7, managing director of First Bus West of England Doug Claringbold, has expressed disappointment for customers who will be affected by nine days of strike action, following the drivers’ rejection of their “above inflation pay offer”.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, believes the dispute between the drivers and the bus provider, is the result of First Bus’ own actions.
She added: “First Group PLC can clearly afford to pay our members more, but are choosing to put profits over people.
“This dispute is entirely of First Group’s own making and any disruption could be easily avoided. Our members will have Unite’s complete support.”
A fleet of electric buses was unveiled at Hengrove bus depot on June 3 – photo: Rhiannon Lodato
In Bristol, drivers participating in the strike work at Bristol Bus and Coach Station and Lawrence Hill and Hengrove depots.
With First Bus being Bristol’s main bus provider, the strike spread across two weeks, is expected to cause disruption.
Unite’s regional officer, Amy Roberts, has said the expected disruption could be stopped if First Bus came to the table with a “meaningful pay offer”.
Addressing the issue, Claringbold continued: “We are disappointed for our customers that the above inflation pay offer we made to drivers has been rejected and that they will now face nine days of potentially significant disruption across Bristol, Bath, Wells and North Somerset.
“Our pay offer was significantly above the rate of inflation and amounted to a pay increase of 8% over two years, including 6% this year, which was recommended by the trade union to our Bristol colleagues. However, that has been rejected and just over half of our drivers have voted to strike.
“We have been committed to improving the pay of drivers and continue to do so. Since 2021 a Bristol driver’s basic earnings has increased from just over £24,000 to more than £31,000 – a 31% increase. This pay offer would immediately increase these basic earnings to over £33,000, with many drivers earning significantly more than this.
“Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to Unite member feedback and made a number of offers in order to try and settle this dispute, to ensure customers are not affected by strike action.
“Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite has decided to press ahead with strikes in September at a busy time when schools and colleges are returning. We have reminded them that it is our customers who are going to suffer.
“We are continuing to work with the trade union to avoid any strikes. In the meantime, we ask customers to check our website and app before travelling where we will post updates about potential disruption.”
All photos: Karen Johnson
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