'No clear communication' in bus strike disruption
BBCThere has been mixed reaction from passengers hoping to use the limited services available on the Isle of Man's Bus Vannin network as union members stage a 10-day walkout - with some lamenting a lack of clear information.
Drivers began the strike on Saturday as part of an ongoing dispute with the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) over pay and entitlements.
The Unite union has been contacted for a response.
Bus user Kim Hidson said while she had known there was a strike taking place there had been no clear communication about contingency plans.
The Castletown resident said she had stayed the night in Union Mills but was struggling to return to the south for work.
Kim, who was waiting at Lord Street bus station in Douglas, said: "Luckily we had a kind gentleman who gave us a lift through to the main bus station."
She said the bus scheduled to arrive had not appeared.
"It is a big disruption. I think it is a big inconvenience and I'm sure they could have sorted something better than keeping everyone waiting, and disrupting their daily routines to work," she said.
David Moores from Laxey. who was also waiting in Douglas and expecting a bus at 09:10 GMT, said it had been moved to 11:10.
"It's not good for work is it," he said.
While he said he understood the reasons behind the strike, he continued: "I think the government should do something about it.
"The people on the island need a bus service, the children, the people who work, most people to get about, and the old people."
The DOI had previously been "hopeful" the walk-out could be avoided after a series of offers were put forward.
However, not all passengers have been put out by the walkout.
Kirk Michael resident Joe Edge said: "For me it's absolutely no problem."
He said he did use the buses more often since his retirement and understood negotiations were taking place.
"If stuff needs sorting out, it needs sorting out. If they can do it in one go - great. Rather than a couple of days here and a couple of days there."
He described himself as a "decent union man" and said "they've got to talk and get it sorted out".
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