Fresh disputes are flaring in the bus industry, with strikes being announced or threatened by drivers over pay.
Members of Unite employed by First Manchester will walk out for three days a week next month.
The 300 drivers have already taken industrial action and are due to strike again on Thursday and on January 24 and 26.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bus drivers, including those at First Manchester, are no longer prepared to accept low rates of pay for the difficult and stressful work they undertake.”
Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “Strike action has already caused considerable disruption for bus passengers throughout Greater Manchester. This was directly a result of First Manchester’s refusal to make an offer that meets our members’ expectations.
“Further strikes can be avoided but it requires the company to put forward an improved offer and to return to the negotiating table.”
Unite also announced a strike ballot among 360 bus drivers employed by Stagecoach based at depots in Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Coalway and Ross-on-Wye in a separate pay dispute.
Ms Graham said: “Low pay is the scourge of the bus industry. That’s why Unite has been relentless in its campaign to ensure that our members at Stagecoach receive a fair pay increase.”
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