Further First Manchester Bus Strike dates announced as July industrial action set to ‘intensify’

Drivers at First Bus Manchester will take part in further strike action later this month. This is, according to Unite union, after a ‘sub par’ offer was received by members.  

The announcement comes as drivers take part in industrial action during some days of this week. The strikes on July 10, and 11 impacted Rochdale, Oldham, Manchester and Ashton as will a further day of industrial action on July 13.  

Drivers were also on strike on July 3,4 and 7 as part of their ongoing dispute over better pay. These strikes involve drivers at First Manchester’s Oldham depot. 

Earlier this month, Unite announced further strike dates for July. These will take place on July 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 28 if the dispute remains unsettled.  

Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First Manchester, said: “We are very disappointed and dismayed at the decision to commence strike action at our Oldham depot. The generous pay offer we made to the union of a 15.2% increase between now and October is well above inflation and would have helped our drivers to manage the cost of living as quickly as possible.

“Industrial action will be damaging to everyone and cause severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments. We urge Unite to return to negotiations so we can finalise a settlement and prevent a prolonged dispute.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “First Manchester can dress it up anyway they want but the fact is the drivers will not accept a split pay deal. It’s not like they can pay their rent and supermarket bills in three instalments. 

“The company can afford to come back with a deal that takes into account the strains of the job and the cost of living and which is implemented in one go. Our First Manchester members have Unite’s full backing as they strive to achieve that.”

Full list of buses affected by strikes on July 10,11 and 13

• 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