Bus drivers back industrial action in pay dispute

Bus drivers on the Isle of Man have voted in favour of taking industrial action in a dispute over pay, conditions and proposed changes to long-standing entitlements, a union has said.

Unite said the ballot result demonstrated "a high level of frustration across the workforce" at government-owned Bus Vannin and had given the union a "clear and decisive mandate" for taking action - the details of which have not been confirmed.

The latest proposals by the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) had included "reductions in established allowances and alterations to terms that members rely on", it said.

In a statement Bus Vannin said it was aware action was being "considered" and it remained "committed to ongoing discussions".

Unite regional officer Debbie Halsall said the union's members had "sent a very clear message" in the ballot.

She said: "Bus Vannin drivers will not accept being pushed backwards on pay and conditions, and they have now given Unite a strong mandate to act.

"These drivers carry huge responsibility every day, and they deserve to be treated fairly and with respect, she continued.

Ms Halsall urged the DoI to "return to the table with a meaningful, authorised offer that addresses the issues drivers have been raising repeatedly".

Unite would now move into the statutory notification phase, and dates for industrial action would be confirmed if a settlement could not be reached, the union said.

Bus Vannin said it was "aware that industrial action was being considered by some members of staff," but there was a "formal process that needs to be complied with" before it is undertaken.

The union was legally obliged to notify the bus operator " at least seven days prior to this taking place" as passengers would be informed as soon as possible should that happen, it added.

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