About The Strike

Over 500 Unite members are preparing for the first round of three day strikes on the bus network in the north west. Starting on the 17th December the bus drivers' strike will bring the transport system to a standstill.

Unite, the UK's biggest union, has rejected First Bradford's "poverty pay" offer, which essentially represents a pay cut.

Steve Clark, Unite official, said: "Strike action is not something the bus drivers want, but they feel they have no other option due to the poverty pay offer from First Bradford.

"Our members have been more than patient with First Group. We have been in negotiations since February and drivers were due their pay rise back in May.

"Unite is demanding at least a cost of living pay rise, particularly during this festive season when drivers need every penny. Most of the bus drivers have families and children, such a derisory pay offer will hit them hard.

"First Bradford and Unite will be holding a crisis meeting on the 8th December to try and resolve this dispute. Unless Unite is able to negotiate a suitable living wage the union will go ahead with all strike action starting on the 17th December."

After a long period of negotiation the final offer from First Bradford stood at an extra 35 pence per hour, which represented a 3.6 per cent pay increase. Unite is seeking a flat rate of pay of 10 pounds an hour as most drivers at the Bradford depot receive between 6.27 pounds and 9.50 pounds an hour.

The deregulation act of 1986 meant that the north west became an unchallenged bus territory area, therefore if strike action did go ahead the knock on affect would great.