Drivers are seeking �9 an hour as part of their claim

The news follows a decision by Transport and General Workers Union members to reject the latest Lothian Buses pay offer.

The company deal includes a 5% increase over 14 months.

Management at council run Lothian Buses said they were dismayed that nearly 1,400 drivers were set to walk out on a continuous strike from next Wednesday.

Edinburgh City Council's executive member for transport, Councillor Andrew Burns, said the latest pay offer had not even been put to drivers in a full postal ballot by the union.

He added: "It is blatantly clear that the limited strike action already undertaken has caused significant economic damage to Edinburgh and any all-out strike would have a seriously detrimental effect on this city's economy."

A Saturday service is operating on all Lothian Buses' 50 routes, as it has done every weekday since the first strike a fortnight ago.

Nobody opts for continuous strike action unless the situation is very serious Sandy Smart T&G

The T&G said it was pleased with support for its latest weekend strike which it claimed was backed by 100% of members.

There were picket lines outside all three bus depots and union members insisted they were determined to continue with their pay claim for �9 an hour.

Union leaaders said the 5% pay rise was a repackaging of a previous deal, which had been rejected by a margin of nine to one.

Lothian Buses drivers currently earn just under �8.50 an hour.

'Pushed to the brink'

Sandy Smart, regional industrial organiser of the T&G, said: "Our members know the consequences of their decision and the inevitable inconvenience to the Edinburgh public, businesses and, of course, themselves.

"Nobody opts for continuous strike action unless the situation is very serious.

"It must now be clear to Lothian that they are dealing with ordinary trade union members who feel they have been pushed to the brink. That's why they are fighting back."

The all-out strike would see buses remain in their garages

The T&G said there had been strong support among members for further strikes during two mass meetings in Edinburgh on Monday.

Officials said they had notified management of the strike, which would leave Lothian Buses' fleet of 600 vehicles off the road.

Mr Smart urged Lothian Buses to think again and come back to the negotiating table.

He said: "It is time to end the one-way war of words against the bus drivers.

"It is time to stop shouting and start talking about a pay offer to settle this dispute."

Think again

He said reports that senior Lothian Buses executives had pocketed pay and benefits increases of up to 31% - five times the drivers' claim - had been "like a red rag to a bull".

The highest-paid executive's salary had moved from �143,000 to �187,000, while drivers' basic pay remained under �19,000, he claimed.

Councillor Burns said he strongly urged those involved to think again about all-out action.