Oxford bus strike due to row over pay

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Oxford bus drivers are planning to go on strike for at least one day and possibly three, the Oxford Mail has reported.

Drivers and other Oxford Bus Company staff are planning the action over a pay dispute.

The first day of strikes is planned for Monday, April 13, but it is understood the action may be repeated on Monday, April 20, and Monday, April 27, as long as the dispute is unresolved.

Workers are calling for a 4% pay rise but the firm is only offering three.

A source told the Oxford Mail that the decision to strike had been taken at an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

The source said: “This is due to the new boss repeatedly refusing the annual pay rise even though there is money around to paint the new buses within the city.”

He said more than 80% of workers who voted were in favour of industrial action.

All city services, including rail replacement and park and ride buses, will be affected and the company will have to run on a 20% service, he said.

He added: “The strike is due to last a short time but will happen regularly until the management come to an agreement with the drivers.”

Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, Phil Southall, said: “The Unite union has agreed to our offer of talks through the arbitration service ACAS. We hope that an acceptable solution can be found.

“We believe that we have made a very attractive offer of a 3% pay rise. The news that inflation is running at 0% underlines what a very generous proposal it is.”