Bus strikes in Merseyside look set to continue with talks breaking down again between Arriva and trade unions.
Today marks the 22nd day of continuous industrial action in which there have been no Arriva buses available anywhere on Merseyside. Arriva drivers and staff first walked out on July 20 in a row over pay and conditions.
Today the GMB union - which along with Unite - represents some of the Arriva drivers, said talks have broken down once again and slammed the bus operator over what it described as a 'pitiful' pay offer during the latest negotiations.
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The union claimed Arriva had improved its offer by just 0.4% from a previous offer that was rejected. They said Arriva offered an 8.9% pay rise and a one off bonus payment of £250.
George Patterson, GMB regional organiser, said: “Working people are facing the worst cost of living crisis for a generation. A real terms pay cut will not cut it.
“We need to see serious shifts from Arriva or bus drivers will have no choice but to strike. We approached these negotiations in good faith. Trifling offers from Arriva simply aren’t good enough.”
While the strikes have broad support from members of the public in Merseyside, the longevity of the walk-outs and the lack of available buses are having major impacts for many. There are numerous parts of the region where an Arriva bus is the only available form of public transport. Some have reported spending hundreds of pounds on taxis to get to and from work.
Arriva said it would not be issuing an updated statement today and would not be responding to the latest comments from the unions. In a statement earlier this week, a company spokesperson said: "The unions continue to walk away without putting our various generous offers to their members and allowing them the democratic right to vote and this is very disappointing.”
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