It’s been a week of chaos in Bristol, and no, it’s not just because of freshers’ week. From Tuesday until tomorrow (Friday, September 19), bus drivers in the city have been undertaking a four-day strike over pay. But it’s far from over…
More than 600 drivers at First West of England’s City Line have voted to take two weeks of fresh strike action. Workers from the affected depots, Lawrence Hill and Hengrove, will now be walking out from October 1 to 14 after talks broke down.
Why are bus drivers striking?
Unite claims that City Line workers struggle with historic low pay, while First Group has failed to address the rising cost of living and the difficult job—highlighting long hours and risks of assault from the general public. Last year, First Group PLC had an operating profit of £204.3m and share dividends were increased by 45 per cent compared to the previous year.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “First Bus is a very profitable firm, but its hardworking workers are struggling to pay the bills – the situation is deplorable and it is little wonder they have voted to take further industrial action. This dispute has been entirely the fault of the employer who has put profits over people throughout. We will support the affected members every step of the way throughout this dispute.”
First Bus say they are “committed to improving the pay of drivers”, and that its more recent offer is “significantly above inflation, alongside the continued investment we’re making in staff facilities and conditions, including new buses and uniforms, and a range of benefits, including healthcare schemes.”
Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First Bus in the West of England, said: “We, like our customers, are deeply frustrated that the union has announced an additional two weeks of strikes in Bristol from the start of October. These are unnecessary and, most importantly, hugely disruptive to our customers, and it is within the hands of the union to stop this action.”
What happens next?
Unite says it has offered to meet First West of England for further negotiations, but it has “refused to negotiate with Unite and has also refused support from the conciliation service Acas.” However, First Bus states it has “always maintained an open dialogue with the union”.
If an agreement isn’t reached, Bristol can expect many cancellations and delays to services at the start of next month. Tomorrow (Friday, September 19), workers from both depots will come together in a demo at Broad Quay near the Hippodrome in Bristol, from 10am to 4pm.