Weymouth Bus Drivers Strike Over Pay

10 February 2014, 07:26

60 Weymouth bus drivers have gone on strike over pay today.

The drivers, employed by First Hampshire and Dorset, have rejected the company’s latest pay offer and will strike for 24 hours on Monday (10 February).
 
Unite, the country’s largest union, says 'there were too many strings attached which would have meant a reduction to their terms and conditions'.
 
Monday’s strike, which started at 4.30am and run for 24 hours, will hit passengers in the Bridport, Portland and Weymouth areas.
 
Unite regional officer Bob Lanning said:

“Our members overwhelmingly rejected the offer because there were too many strings attached to the proposed deal that would have seen the terms and conditions of the drivers seriously eroded.
 
“The crux of this dispute is that our members are lagging behind the pay of their counterparts working for other regional bus operators, at a time when household bills are going through the roof.
 
“Unite is prepared to hold talks with the company at any time to reach a fair settlement with the company before Monday.
 
“We regret any inconvenience caused to the travelling public, but our members feel that they have been pushed to the wall by this cheese-paring management.”