LABOUR MSP Mercedes Villalba has called for Scotland’s bus networks to be returned to public ownership after services ground to a halt in Dundee.
The Labour spokesperson for environment and Biodiversity also asked for First Minister Humza Yousaf’s backing.
Her call comes after Xplore Dundee staff launched strike action on Monday which will see buses running less frequently and many evening services cancelled.
Raising the issue at First Ministers Questions, Villalba said: “This Clean Air Day, we are all being encouraged to use public transport to reduce our contribution to air pollution. But in Dundee, many buses have been brought to a standstill because of the private bus company’s attack on workers’ pay and conditions.
“So, does the First Minister agree that it’s high time for our bus network to be returned to public ownership, to remove the profit motive from this vital public service? And will he extend his support to Unite the Union members, his neighbours and mine, in their fight for fair work and a reliable bus service?”
Passengers in Dundee are facing weeks of disruption with around 200 workers at Xplore taking industrial action after rejecting a below inflation pay offer.
Unite has confirmed that its members will continue action until September 3, unless a revised pay offer is received.
Unite reports that since launching their campaign for fair pay, members have faced poor treatment, including the transferring of employees’ contracts to companies other than McGill’s, the introduction of zero hours contracts, and the threat of fire and rehire.
Villalba added: “Twelve weeks of bus strikes will cause significant disruption to my constituents. I understand that many people will struggle to go about their daily lives because our buses are essential to the smooth running of our city.
“But our city deserves better. There is no incentive for people to use public transport if it is not reliable, and currently we, in Dundee, are being badly let down in this regard.
“Our bus drivers deserve a decent pay offer and security in their employment and my constituents deserve a reliable bus service.”
