Release date: January 26, 2022
Photo: Journeaux
The first bus drivers are on strike for another week
First bus commuters are again being informed in advance to plan alternative travel options as the drivers’ strike continues into its fourth week.
Bus drivers employed by First Manchester went on strike on January 10 over a dispute over pay and working conditions, and there have been two strike days a week since.
First Manchester is advising customers to plan ahead of time to deal with the possibility of three-day industrial action at its Oldham depot next week, meaning all services will be cancelled.
The union has announced that it will hold strikes on Monday 31st January, Tuesday 1st February and Friday 4th February.
All dedicated school services are expected to take place and details of routes can be found on the Transport for Greater Manchester website www.tfgm.com.
Ian Humphreys, chief executive of First Manchester, said: “The company have offered a substantial increase to £13 an hour, in line with the union’s demand for parity with another major Greater Manchester bus company, and we have been told we will support their endeavours have fulfilled.
“We are pleased that this offer has been accepted, so that our colleagues can benefit from the new remuneration and an additional lump sum as quickly as possible. This will help them tackle the economic challenges that everyone is currently facing.
“This would put an end to delays and lengthy discussions about the 2021 settlement and allow us to begin negotiations for the 2022 salary review, the anniversary of which falls in August.
“Prolonging the industrial action and the possibility of further dates in February is not the right way to find a solution.
“I would like to sincerely apologize in advance to all our customers for the further disruption and inconvenience that a continuation of the industrial action will cause.”
Customers with pre-purchased tickets for the days of labor action will receive a refund or replacement tickets for future trips.
For more information, visit First Manchester’s website at www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-manchester/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/industrial-action-february
