First Manchester drivers who at its Oldham and Queens Road, Manchester depots went out on strike on Tuesday, May 24 for one day.
Unite the Union said that the reason for the strike revolves around a trade dispute regarding changes to conditions, agreements and bargaining procedures, which First Manchester denied. The operator said it was still seeking clarification around the specific issues of the dispute and what resolution Unite required to bring the dispute to an end.
In an attempt to try and resolve the dispute, First Manchester was in discussion with the conciliatory service ACAS, which offered to convene a meeting at the earliest opportunity of Tuesday, May 24. Since this coincided with the proposed day of strike action, ACAS put a proposal to Unite to postpone their action, which would allow it to meet with the company and Unite to try and resolve the dispute. Unite representatives rejected the proposal.
Adrian Worsfold, Director of Operations for First Manchester, said: “I’m very disappointed Unite is going ahead with strike action despite our efforts to avoid industrial action.
“This will bring massive disruption to customers especially those in education, work and those needing to keep appointments as well as causing personal hardship to our driving team.
“This action is unnecessary and unjustified and we urge Unite to explain what resolution they are seeking to resolve the trade dispute.”
