Bus services across south Wales are set to be disrupted later this month due to industrial action. More than 300 bus drivers at First Cymru are planning to walk out on September 26, 2022 in a row over pay and conditions.
Initially, the strike was due to go ahead this Thursday, September 15, 2022 but after Queen Elizabeth II died last week, the UK entered into a period of national mourning, and so organisers have decided to delay the action as a "mark of respect".
A statement from Unite, the trade union that represents many workers in the transport sector, said: "The industrial action planned for Thursday has been suspended as a mark of respect for the passing of the Queen. The current overtime ban remains in place and strike action has been rearranged to September 26. There are talks taking place between Unite and the company today (September 13)."
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First Cymru managing director Jane Reakes-Davies added: "While we're waiting for formal notification, we understand Unite have postponed their planned strike action on Thursday during this national period of mourning. We welcome this decision, however note that Unite will still have an overtime ban in place which may affect scheduled services. Please ensure you check our website to keep up to date with any service disruptions."
Ms Reakes-Davies previously issued a statement on the company's disappointment that workers were going to strike. She said: "We can confirm that our bus driver colleagues have confirmed their intention to take industrial action including an overtime ban and days of strikes, after rejecting three pay offers following extensive talks with the senior leadership team at First Cymru.
"The final offer made would have seen the drivers receive an inflation matching 9.5% pay uplift along with backpay to April, with a commitment to enter fresh talks in advance of April, 2023. We are hugely disappointed and frustrated that, despite extensive talks and multiple ballots, and after trying to give our people the best possible rise the business can afford, we have not been able to reach an amicable conclusion to discussions.
"Bus operations across the UK have been severely impacted by the pandemic, but there has been a greater impact in Wales than in any other part of the UK. The business has been struck by a change in travel patterns both during and after the Covid pandemic and although the number of people using our services is slowly increasing, it is still much lower than pre-Covid.
"We respect the rights of colleagues to take action, but in order to allow the business to recover from the pandemic, we need to work together, keep the wheels turning and make sure people can go about their daily lives without disruption."
Unite previously explained why its members want to strike. Regional co-ordinating officer at Unite trade union, Sarah Davies said: "Over 320 Unite members at First Cymru depots across South West Wales will be taking industrial action next week. Our members deserve a pay rise that is at least in-line with inflation.
"They worked throughout the pandemic and are determined to see their loyalty and dedication fairly rewarded. Unite stands 100% behind our members. It is not too late for First Cymru to table an acceptable offer and prevent the inevitable disruption that this action will bring."
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