Tram drivers are demanding union recognition

Stagecoach bus drivers are planning a stoppage this weekend in a row over pay.

And Metrolink tram drivers have voted for a series of 24-hour walk-outs after demanding union recognition.

The Transport and General Workers' Union said the bus drivers would walk out on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Stagecoach say about 90% of services will not operate over the weekend.

This is the worst Christmas present for our customers and shows a complete disregard for the people of Manchester Mark Threapleton, Stagecoach Manchester

The company is the second-biggest bus firm in the city, and serves much of south Manchester.

The firm had offered its drivers an 18-month, 7.1% deal which was rejected.

It also claimed the union was not willing to negotiate.

Mark Threapleton, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: "This is the worst Christmas present for our customers and shows a complete disregard for the people of Manchester.

"Thousands of Christmas shoppers will be needlessly inconvenienced as a result of this action.

"We are extremely angry our passengers are being used in this way after we offered an exceptionally good pay deal."

But the union says it will enter discussions - chaired by the conciliation service Acas - after the first strike.

'Bad timing'

Meanwhile, tram drivers at Metrolink who are members of the union Aslef, voted on Tuesday night to go on strike.

It is not yet clear when the 24-hour stoppages will take place, but 23 December and Christmas Eve were among the dates being discussed.

That dispute is over recognition for the union by the company.

Tom Dempster, of Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said it was bad news for shoppers - but it should not put them off getting into the city centre.

"It's a blip, but I think we'll cope," he said.

"It is not the best timing but it's important not to panic - Manchester is very much open this weekend."