Stagecoach Merseyside bus strikes latest

Members of Unite employed by Stagecoach Merseyside have announced all-out strike action in their pay dispute, due to the employer’s failure to make an improved offer.

The 370 bus workers, who are based at the company’s Gilmoss depot, held an initial day of strike action on Monday (July 4).

Following Stagecoach’s failure to make an improved pay offer, Unite has now announced that members will take all-out (continuous) strike action beginning on Wednesday, July 20. Prior to this, there will be one day strikes on Friday, July 15 and Monday, July 18.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Stagecoach is a wealthy company – it can easily afford to pay fairly and Unite is determined to ensure that it does.

“Our members simply want the rate for the job and are not going to accept being underpaid a moment longer. Stagecoach’s refusal to make an offer that would resolve this dispute has, however, resulted in an escalation in industrial action.

“Unite will be giving our members the union’s complete support until they receive an acceptable pay increase.”

Stagecoach bus drivers are paid just £12.69 an hour.

Stagecoach’s accounts for the second half of 2021 revealed that profits had more than doubled from £16.1 million to £32.9 million.

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts added, “Stagecoach has brought this dispute on itself by its refusal to make an offer which meets members’ expectations.

“Even at this late stage, the increased strike action and the resulting disruption this will cause to passengers can still be avoided if Stagecoach returns to the negotiating table and makes an improved offer.”

The dates for continuous strike action coincide with those already announced for Unite’s members at Arriva in the North West, in a dispute also about pay.

By Barckley Sumner