Bus drivers begin strike over pay

Published on Thursday 16 July 2009 13:27

A ONE-day strike by bus drivers got under way today in a protest over pay.

Workers from First Bus in Aberdeen are staging the 24-hour walkout after union leaders and management failed to reach an agreement on wages.

Striking staff formed picket lines outside the company's King Street depot, while senior management drove buses as part of a reduced service.

First claimed they were providing a good service and were able to cover all but four routes.

But union leaders said the situation was "chaos", with few buses on the road and passengers not being picked up.

Outside the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, where First's AGM was being held, around 20 picketers gathered.

At one point a company director was heckled as he drove up to the centre in a bus before entering the building.

The strike comes after members of the Unite union rejected First's proposal to freeze their wages, and instead asked for a 4% increase.

Last ditch talks between Unite and First with conciliation service Acas failed to bring the parties together.

Staff also plan an indefinite work-to-rule and will do no overtime.

First insist that its drivers are among the best paid in the industry and also enjoyed other benefits.

In an effort to minimise disruption, the company has been putting on free buses, scheduled for every 30 minutes, on all its routes between 7am and 7pm.

A First spokeswoman said only four routes did not have services operating today, and that alternative nearby routes were available.

She said: "We are disappointed the strike is going ahead but are pleased that we have been able to deliver a strong level of service. Our priority is to keep the city running."

Tommy Campbell, regional organiser with Unite, claimed that "only a small number of buses are on the road" and that passengers were being left stranded at bus stops.

He said: "We are maintaining that it's chaos out there, the company have actually done a lot of harm.

"This goes to show it is the staff that provide the service in this city, not managers.

"We hope that they see sense and get back round the negotiating table."