Passengers in parts of Greater Manchester are being warned to expect disruption as bus drivers take industrial action. Members of Unite the Union working for First Bus Manchester are walking out today (July 7).
It's the third of six days of strike action to take place this month, following a 48-hour walkout on Monday and Tuesday this week. First Bus drivers will also walk out next Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Eighteen services are impacted today, affecting passengers in the Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside boroughs. Passengers are urged to find alternative arrangements, such as Metrolink services.
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Union bosses claim drivers at First Manchester earn less than other bus companies in the area, while recent reports show that operating profits increased by more than £6 million to £226.8 million. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham previously said: “First Manchester’s profits continue to soar but the rates it pays its drivers are the worst in the region.
"The company’s inadequate pay offer is not enough to make up for sky high living costs or to plug the staff shortages that are making our members’ working lives a misery. Unite defends our members’ jobs, pay and conditions to the hilt and First Manchester’s drivers will receive all the support they need as they strike for a fair pay rise.”
Workers rejected a 7.4% pay offer, backdated to April, with a further 3.4% in October. Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First Manchester, said last week that the strike action 'will be damaging to everyone and cause severe disruption'.
“The management team at First Manchester have been working hard to agree a pay settlement and have made a substantial offer," he added. "Discussions with Unite continue and we are focused on finalising an agreement as quickly as possible to avoid any industrial action.”
This is the full list of Greater Manchester services affected by today's First Bus strike:
- 57 - Oldham - Shaw - Rushcroft - Heyside - Higginshaw circular
- 59 - Piccadilly Gardens - Middleton - Chadderton - Oldham Mumps
- 81 - Piccadilly Gardens - Moston - White Gate - Werneth - Oldham
- 82 - Sholver - Moorside - Watersheddings - Greenacres - Oldham
- 83 - Piccadilly Gardens - Failsworth - Oldham - Sholver
- 84 - Piccadilly Gardens - Hollinwood - Oldham - Lees - Uppermill
- 180 - Oldham - Clarksfield - Lees - Grasscroft - Greenfield
- 181 - Piccadilly Gardens - Chadderton - Royton - Wrens Nest
- 182 - Piccadilly Gardens - Chadderton - Royton - Wrens Nest
- 336 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Smallshaw - Hazelhurst - Hurst circular
- 337 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Hurst - Hazelhurst - Smallshaw circular
- 348 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Stalybridge - Brushes - Carrbrook
- 350 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Mossley - Greenfield - Delph - Oldham
- 389 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Stalybridge - Dukinfield circular
- 409 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Hathershaw - Oldham - Royton - Rochdale
- 411 - Oldham - Derker - Lower Moor - Oldham Mumps circular
- 425 - Oldham - Alt - Holts - Abbey Hills - Clarksfield circular
- 426 - Oldham - Fitton Hill - Hathershaw - Primrose Bank circular
All school services run by First Bus, and Vantage services on the Leigh guided busway, will continue to run as normal. The 184 Oldham - Greenacres - Diggle - Huddersfield Town Centre service will also operate as usual.
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