Pay freeze bus drivers to strike

Unite says the company can afford to offer the drivers a pay rise

Drivers at First Bus in Greater Manchester are to stage four 24-hour strikes, a Unite union spokesman said.

The first stoppage is planned for 11 September, with further walkouts due on 14, 21 and 28 September.

The 833 bus drivers based in Wigan, Bolton and Bury are striking over First Group's 0% pay offer.

First Group said it was "hugely disappointed" at the drivers' decision to walk out, but promised to try to minimise disruption for passengers.

'Be realistic'

"All we have been asking is that our drivers earn the same this year as last year - no less - and that's a far better position than many people are facing in a difficult economic climate," a company spokeswoman said.

"We have to be realistic about what we can deliver, and funding a pay award for drivers in this environment is simply not possible."

This insulting pay offer is simply not acceptable

Bobby Morton, Unite industrial organiser

Talks with the conciliation service Acas have failed to resolve the dispute, although the union and First Bus management are meeting on Wednesday in another attempt to settle the matter.

Unite industrial organiser Bobby Morton said: "This decision to impose a 0% pay deal is based on greed.

"First Group made millions of pounds in profit this year, despite the recession, yet are refusing to play fair by the employees who helped deliver these results.

"These workers are already struggling in the recession to support their families, they need support from their employer and this insulting pay offer is simply not acceptable."

A ballot resulted in 95% of union members voting to take part in strike action, Unite said.