Bus services stripped back amid further strikes

Bus services on the Isle of Man have been stripped back, amid a third round of driver strikes.

Members of the Unite union have begun the latest walkout in an ongoing dispute over pay and entitlements, which will last until the early hours on Tuesday, after drivers put forward proposals that were rejected.

On Friday, some reduced services will run from Lord Street to Port Erin, Port st Mary, Ramsey via Laxey, Anagh-Coar and Peel via Noble's Hospital.

Bus Vannin said the services were "subject to change" and urged passengers to check the Find My Bus website for live information. It has previously said it remained "ready and willing to have positive and constructive negotiations with Unite".

A 10-day walkout took place at the end of February, followed by a four-day strike from last Friday to Tuesday, with further industrial action planned for each of the remaining weekends this month.

There will be no dedicated school services on Friday but pupils can use Go Cards to access the services that are running.

The Manx Electric Railway will also again run services for commuters and school students between Ramsey and Derby Castle on Douglas Promenade, however, they will not be running at the weekend.

Bus Vannin previously also said it remained "committed to finding a fair resolution to the dispute".

However, the Isle of Man Trades Union Council, which represents various unions, including Unite, said there had been "no face-to-face meetings" between the employer and members of the union since December, and discussions had instead taken place through the Manx Industrial Relation Service (MIRS).

Drivers had put forward proposals aimed at resolving the dispute, which were rejected, and concerns "centred on proposed changes to drivers' terms and conditions, not just pay," it continued.

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