Bus strikes to go ahead as planned over Christmas
Steve Hubbard/BBCAbout 200 bus drivers and engineers in Cambridge have voted to continue planned strike action over Christmas after talks about pay broke down.
Staff at Stagecoach East will walk out on 20, 22, 24 and 27 December, although the proposed strike on 17 December did not go ahead as the union, Unite, and the bus operator returned to negotiations.
Managing director Darren Roe said he was "disappointed" about the action, which he claimed came despite employees being treated "fairly and responsibly".
A Unite spokesperson said: "Strike action will continue until an acceptable offer is put forward by the company."
Unite, the union representing bus staff, had said members rejected a pay deal that would have led to their overtime rates on week days dropping by 12%.
It also said overtime pay would be slashed further by 20% on weekends and bank holidays.
Stagecoach has apologised for disruption to its services ahead of the impending industrial action.
Mr Roe said: "Over the past three years, we have offered our Cambridge employees pay increases totalling more than 20% – significantly above inflation.
"This reflects our recognition of the vital role our drivers and teams play, and our determination to ensure pay keeps pace not only with the cost of living, but goes beyond it."
Bus usage in Cambridge has spiked since a fire in a car park at Addenbrooke's Hospital on Saturday.
Earlier in November, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said Stagecoach could "absolutely afford to offer a pay deal that does not reduce overtime rates".
She added: "Stagecoach's Cambridge workforce has Unite's full support in taking strike action to achieve that."
Daniel Zeichner, the Labour MP for Cambridge, told the BBC: "My view is that both sides should do everything they can to avoid disruption to passengers, especially in the run-up to Christmas, and I would urge them to continue negotiations."
Paul Bristow, the Conservative mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "Stagecoach and the union need to get around the table and come to a deal.
"People rely on bus services for getting to work, essential appointments and seeing people - especially at this time of year.
"I have been seeking assurances from Stagecoach that the best possible service will still be offered to our communities."
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