Talks between Arriva and unions representing striking bus drivers have broken down again - meaning the walk-out will continue into next week.
Today is the 17th day of continuous strikes by Arriva drivers, which have left large parts of Merseyside without access to any public transport at all. It had been hoped that fresh talks this morning between the company and the UNITE and GMB unions could bring an end to the dispute and get buses back on the road.
But it has now been confirmed that those pay talks have broken down again, meaning the strikes will now definitely head into next week, with no current sign of any breakthrough.
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Speaking this lunchtime, a Unite spokesperson said: "Talks again broke down today as Arriva failed to make an offer which met members' expectations."
While the strikes have widespread public support in the region, many are now feeling the impact. Some areas of Merseyside are only served by Arriva services, with no rail stations nearby. People have reported paying out large sums to get taxis to and from work over the course of the strike.
The dispute is essentially about pay. Arriva drivers, represented by the UNITE and GMB unions, said they require a decent pay rise in order to keep up with spiralling inflation and the soaring cost of living. Earlier this week, the two sides met, with Arriva claiming a 'generous' new offer was made of an 8.5% rise, backdated to March. This offer was dismissed outright by the unions, who described it as an insult.
A statement from striking drivers said they were left in 'anger and disbelief' at what they said was not actually a new offer at all, with 8.5% being offered previously by the bus operator.
A spokesperson for Arriva said: "Despite further negotiations today and having done all we can to make another improved offer, the Unions have once again chosen to walk away, causing further misery for our passengers. At this point, we are left questioning why they refuse to give their members the opportunity to vote on our offers, which would make our drivers the highest paid in the region.
"We would like to apologise to our passengers for the ongoing disruption that this dispute is causing to their everyday lives. On our side, we are acting in good faith and doing all we can to find a resolution. We urge Unite and GMB to do the same, reconsider their position, call an end to inappropriate strike action and give their members the opportunity to ballot on our latest offers."
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