City bus drivers vote for strike

The union says Leeds bus drivers earn the least in the Yorkshire group

Bus drivers in Leeds have voted to go on strike in protest at a pay freeze.

The union Unite said staff at First had decided to take action in the run-up to Christmas after the firm made £120m in profits and managers got their bonuses.

Unite regional officer Phil Bown said: "We feel it is only fair that the people who contribute to those profits get a share."

Dave Alexander, managing director of First in Leeds, said: "This is not the time... to be asking for a pay rise."

The first strike is expected to take place on Monday, 7 December followed by two others on Saturday, 12 December and Saturday, 19 December.

But Mr Alexander said: "The ballot result has not changed our position, there remains no available money to fund a pay rise this year."

He said the company was due to meet trade union representatives within the next few days and would work hard to reach a compromise.

"This year we are asking our drivers to join us all and earn this year what they earned last year.

The drivers in Leeds earn the most in profit for the company but earn the least in hourly pay

Phil Bown, Unite regional officer

"This is such a difficult time when businesses both locally and nationally are facing difficult economic conditions.

"The potential consequences of Unite calling for a strike are that everyone loses.

"People struggle to get to work, children cannot get to school and shops and retailers have fewer customers.

"This also has a significant effect on our business, which may impact on all jobs, including drivers in the future."

Mr Bown said First bus drivers in Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield and York were getting a 3% rise as part of a multi-year deal negotiated before the group merged to include the Leeds operation.

He said: "The drivers in Leeds earn the most in profit for the company but earn the least in hourly pay.

"All it will take to stop the action is a small increase this year."