The Liverpool bus network has been threatened with industrial action from Stagecoach and Arriva drivers.
Stagecoach drivers had been planning to strike on Saturday, October 14 and Thursday, October 19, but the strikes were called off after a revised pay offer from Stagecoach. The Unite union is balloting its members at Stagecoach and recommending that the offer is taken, with further strike action still on Monday, October 23, and Monday, October 30 to be called off if the offer is accepted.
Stagecoach Merseyside Managing Director, Rob Jones, told the Liverpool Echo: “We have had constructive discussions with the union and have made a revised offer which they are recommending is accepted by members.
“As a result, the union has called off the strike action planned for October 14 and 19, and we are pleased to confirm that services will operate as normal for our customers on those days.”
However, Arriva drivers in Liverpool were still set to strike on October 19, 23 and 30 as this issue went to press.
Phil Stone, Regional Managing Director, said: “It is disappointing that Unite and GMB balloted for strike action over pay when we have a tabled a fair pay deal for our staff. All drivers across all 10 depots will benefit from the current pay offer. Any pay award has to be sustainable for each individual depot and this is reflected in what has been offered. The hourly rate for all drivers remains competitive.
“This pay offer follows year on year competitive pay increases even at a time when other companies were freezing pay. Our pay and terms and conditions are the best in the North West for the industry.
“We remain committed in trying to reach a mutually acceptable outcome and would urge our trade union colleagues to get back round the negotiating table and call off strike action that will unnecessarily disrupt many thousands of passengers. In the meantime, we will look at how our passengers may be impacted by potential strike action.”
