Stagecoach Merseyside statement on Unite strike action

Unite has informed Stagecoach that its members in Merseyside will be taking industrial action on Monday 4, Friday 15, Monday 18, Wednesday 20, Friday 22, Monday 25, Thursday 28 and Friday 29 July.

Matt Davies, Managing Director for Stagecoach Merseyside, said: "Bus users will be angered that the bus services that they depend on to access work, education, the high street, and keep in touch with their families are being deliberately targeted by the union in this way.

"The fact is that even in these difficult times, we have offered a substantial pay increase of more than 10% to our employees that would make them the highest paid bus drivers in Merseyside from July. They would also continue to benefit from more generous holiday entitlement and other benefits than other local bus workers with whom they want parity. 

"The two recent pay deals we offered were both supported by the union, so it is puzzling that it believes hurting local communities by strike action is now the way forward.

"We remain open for talks, which is the only route to reaching agreement and securing improved pay for our people. But without Unite showing some flexibility it's difficult to see how we can move forward.

"We're sorry that passengers will be inconvenienced by this strike action. A third of our workforce also voted against it.  We are absolutely committed to securing the best deal possible for our people, but we have to think about the future of the bus network and the implications that higher pay demands have on the cost and scope of the services we can offer to our local communities."

ENDS