Mass disruption expected to Greater Manchester Bee Network as bus workers strike
There will be serious disruption to bus services in Greater Manchester this month as over 2,000 Unite members including bus drivers working for the city's Bee Network walk out in a co-ordinated strike.
The workers are employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester and First Bus Rochdale - firms which are among those that make up the bus part of the Bee Network.
Rob Jones, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “We have worked closely with union representatives throughout this process to try to agree a pay deal with drivers at out Stockport, Oldham and Middleton depots.”
He said: “We have done our utmost to present an offer that meets their expectations; while also ensuring it is affordable for the long-term sustainability of our operations across Greater Manchester.”
Adding: “We want to avoid industrial action, which is damaging to everyone and causes severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers, and will continue to work constructively to reach a resolution.”
At Stagecoach, around 1,000 drivers based across the Oldham, Stockport and Middleton depots have rejected a pay offer of 3.5 per cent. There are also 1,000 Metroline Manchester members at the following depots: Sharston, Hyde Road, Ashton and Wythenshawe involved, who will walk out after turning down an unsatisfactory below inflation pay offer of 3.5 per cent.
Workers at both Metroline and Stagecoach believe the offer doesn’t address years of low pay, especially given the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Meanwhile, 110 members at First Bus Rochdale have rejected this year's pay offer of 6 per cent, which does not go far enough to address the fact workers there have had years of being paid less than their counterparts at other companies and are the lowest paid in the region.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "All of the firms involved in this dispute are highly profitable - but their workers are being denied a fair wage while their employers line their pockets.
"Our members have agreed this is unacceptable and have unequivocally voted to strike. They have Unite’s full backing throughout the whole of this dispute."
Stagecoach, Metroline and First Bus Rochdale, part of First Group PLC, are all firms which have seen a rise in profits in recent years.
Strikes will take place from 19 to 22 September. Given the number of drivers and companies involved, travel chaos is expected with many delays and cancellations of services in Manchester and the surrounding areas. It is also expected to impact several events on in the city that weekend including Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford, comedian Peter Kay’s gig at the AO Arena and singer Tom Grennan’s concert at Coop Live.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: "With so many drivers across the Bee Network walking out at once, this will be a highly disruptive strike that will bring parts of Greater Manchester to a standstill. We know residents will be disappointed to hear of potential action, but this is entirely the fault of the employers involved our members feel they have no choice but to walk out to make their voices heard.”
Adding: "Unite remains open to negotiations with the bus companies who need to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer."
Additionally, A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “We're aware that some of our Bee Network operators are involved in ongoing pay negotiations and have been informed by them that union members have voted in favour of industrial action. Bus operators are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff, and the specifics of any talks is a matter for them and the relevant trade union. Our priority is to keep Greater Manchester moving and we are monitoring the situation closely.”