Bus drivers could continue striking until January

About 200 bus drivers and engineers in Cambridge are expected to continue strike action into January.

Staff at Stagecoach East have been taking action over the Christmas period and will strike on 5, 10, 19 and 24 January.

Matt Plumb, Unite's regional officer, said members wages were being "suppressed in a very difficult time" as "prices are so high and inflation is falling".

Darren Roe, the managing director of Stagecoach East, said he was "disappointed" about the action, which he claimed came despite employees being treated "fairly and responsibly".

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 reduced by a further 20% on weekends and bank holidays.

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."

Mr Plumb said union members were "struggling" and needed a "decent pay rise for the role that they perform".

"They shouldn't have to have their pay terms and conditions eroded just to have a cost-of-living increase, which they thoroughly deserve for the service that they provide to Cambridge and the city," said Mr Plumb.

He said strike action was "always a last resort" and he remained "optimistic" regarding talks between members and the transport company.

Stagecoach has apologised for disruption to its services ahead of the industrial action.

It said it was due to have talks with the union on Monday to find a resolution.

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