Bus chiefs in talks to avert strike
UNIONS and transport bosses were last night trying to thrash out a deal to avert a strike by bus drivers and engineers on Monday.
Representatives from the union Unite met with management at First Cymru's Ravenhill headquarters yesterday afternoon.
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Drivers and engineers are planning to stage a 24-hour walk out starting at 4am on Monday in a dispute over pay.
The walk out will affect all First bus depots in South and West Wales and could, according to First, cause undue disruption and anxiety for people who rely on local bus services to get to school, work and leisure destinations.
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Unite representative Gareth Jones, said yesterday's talks were being held to try to avert industrial action which he said was a last resort for drivers.
Mr Jones said it has been around eight years since the last strike action over pay and added: "The talks have been going on for nine months.
"We want the company to table an improved offer.
"The current offer is not enough to prevent our members taking industrial action.
"The drivers are fully aware of the consequences of taking industrial action.
"As ever, this is a last resort."
Allen Parker, Service Delivery Director for First in the West and Wales, said: "We are incredibly disappointed that the union has called for this action and that they are preparing to strike on Monday, October 1. The offer that we have put on the table is a very good one.
"It guarantees drivers and engineers a 1.5 per cent pay increase from October 1 this year, offers them a guaranteed 2 per cent increase from January, 2013, and gives them the potential to earn another 1.5 per cent increase from January, 2013, through efforts to reduce the number of staff and passenger injuries, and further improve driving standards.
"The targets that have been set are entirely reasonable; they are all about making the bus service better and safer for everyone."
Passenger Anthony Parry uses buses in Swansea, and the 63-year-old from Mayhill said: "I use the bus four times a day.
"I've got a disabled brother and I do a lot for him. I hope they can avert the strike action."
rupert.hall@swwmedia.co.uk
01792 514 597
Comments
by flash32
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:58AM
“flash32
to williamwaun, reading your comment on wednesday, to witch i think your either on the dole scrouging off the tax payers, or asked to say wot you wrote under cover for the company to get public support, and for you to say about the staff you better get your facts right,so my advice to you is if you dont now wot your talking about then shut up.”
by dazza
Thursday, September 27 2012, 8:38AM
“i get it now the drivers get a low wage so first can make even more money !!!!”
by paul0453
Thursday, September 27 2012, 8:24AM
“Williamwaun- I'm glad that I don't work with you, with your attitude we'd get nowhere. People need a wage that they can live on & care for their families. Bus drivers work long hours to earn a decent wage, think of the safety issues involved there! First Bus (or Worst bus as it's better known) made huge profits on the back of these drivers & the free bus pass. All the drivers & engineers are asking for is fair play. "A fair day's pay for a fair day's work"”
by merlyman
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 9:37PM
“leighrichards
Your a LEG END ........”
by leighrichards
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 9:26PM
“given the joke of a bus service service 'worst cymru' offers these days i doubt if anyone will notice any difference if there is a strike.........the first group is making massive profits at present and can well afford to pay its drivers and engineers a living wage......with the bus drivers all the way....”
by merlyman
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 9:20PM
“williamwaun
With respect.
You need to talk to some drivers to get the facts.
The rise is mentioned, and worded to generate public support for the company.
What is not mentioned is everything that is being taken away.
Bus drivers are Tax payers as you will know so they obviously contribute towards the free passes.”
by williamwaun
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 8:57PM
“My thoughts are with the staff, but they are having a rise unlike other companies. If it wasn't for the Welsh Assembly half of these drivers wouldn't have a job, with the assembly subsidise e.g tax payers money.
If you are not happy I would recommend you start looking elsewhere, obviously your not happy in your jobs otherwise you wouldn't strike.
Think of the old age who pay your wages, yes your company makes a fortune but don't all companies.”
by weslangdon
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 8:15PM
“Worst Groups profits doubled last year
http://tinyurl.com/bsmdjnh”
by HaroldMonk
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 6:45PM
“I'll be ready with my horse and cart on Monday - easy money for someone to step in and make these strikers realise they arent irreplaceable”
by merlyman
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 5:32PM
“by dianately
.
"strike to start at 4am, buses dont start that time."
dianately.....With the greatest of respect.
You may not see a bus on the road at 4 am, but fitters, convoy drivers and control staff are in either at the depot all night or start at 2 am.
First services are out approx 5 a.m after a driver has completed a check and driven to a starting point.”