People travelling by bus in Greater Manchester are facing disruption as strikes from drivers begin and we want to know your feelings about it.
Strikes from First Manchester drivers have already taken place this week (24th and 26th January), and more are set to take place in February with three every week planned.
No buses will run from Oldham depot on these dates with services such as the 83 and 84 affected, although schools buses and Vantage routes are expected to operate, and we want to hear what you have to say in the comments ..
READ MORE: 'Severe disruption' for bus passengers as First drivers prepare to strike three days of every week
More than 300 drivers, who are members of Unite, will be striking, with the trade union's general secretary Sharon Graham saying: "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."
Another ongoing point of dispute is First Manchester's alleged refusal to backdate their last pay increase for 2021 to August 1.
Let us know your thoughts on the strikes in the comments section.
Unite says the drivers' wage currently stands at £12.40 an hour.
Those striking this week will be joined by Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner on Friday, as well as more MPs and council officials from the area.
Managing Director of First Manchester Ian Humphreys has expressed frustration with the industrial action.
“Despite the efforts we have already made to meet what we were told were agreed demands, union officials have announced their intention to hold further strikes.," he said.
“The Company has offered a substantial increase to £13 per hour, along with a lump sum payment. We have also offered to equalise the rate for school bus drivers with that for service bus drivers which would mean an even greater increase for this group of colleagues.
“There are no changes to our colleagues’ conditions and whilst reference has also been made to rota patterns, this is simply about the introduction of a previously agreed, shared plan to update recruiting and working practices to fulfil the Company’s commitments to diversity in the workplace."
Do you think the drivers are justified in their strikes? And do you think that First Manchester should meet their pay demands? How is it affecting you? Let us know in the comments section .
