People across Merseyside are "struggling" to get to and from work and appointments as they are "stranded" due to Arriva strikes.
Arriva previously confirmed they will not be able to run any services across the region from 2am on Wednesday, July 20, when the continuous walk-out gets underway. It comes after talks between Arriva and the Unite and GMB unions failed to reach an agreement over pay.
This means there will be no planned Arriva bus services operating within Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cheshire, except for local Macclesfield services which will all run with the exception of service 38. For the duration of the industrial action journey planning in the north west region on the Arriva website and Arriva UK Bus App will be disabled.
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While many people support the strike others have spoken of their frustration at being unable to get where they need to go. One woman, who did not wish to be named, told the ECHO they had an "extra stress" of trying to get to and from work today from Halewood and would be "unable to afford a taxi".
They added: "I get why they are striking but some services should still be on, it's like a domino effect, what if people can't get to work or vital appointments, they are stranded essentially and it's not like taxis can be afforded either.
"It's going to be a real struggle until it's sorted. I do feel for the workers, everyone deserves to be able to earn a decent wage for the work they do, but on the other hand, people like myself, and the elderly and vulnerable, rely on services. We can't all have a back up option."
ECHO reader Amanda Jayne Proctor commented: "In my town Arriva bus is the only one we use so we are all stranded, can't get to hospital or doctor appointments or even do shopping, lots of the people are pensioners so we are all stranded."
Aud Doyle added: "I get why they are striking but I definitely I need Arriva for work, if I don't go to work I don't get paid, hope it's sorted quick."
Arriva customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Cheshire will be able to use them on buses operated by D&G Buses. The special Liverpool Clatterbridge Hospital Shuttle service will also continue to operate during this time.
ECHO reader Louise Tyson said: "Good for them!!!! Let's hope they get what they deserve", and Sharon Ashley wrote: "Always stand with the workers."
Rebecca Quinn added: "I’m inconvenienced by this. I’m still in total solidarity with them. A change of travel plans for a while Vs being able to earn enough to live & feed your family = no contest."
Arriva has urged all customers to check its Twitter and Facebook feeds before travelling. Customers can also call 0344 800 44 11 for updates.
Howard Farrall, North West & Wales Area Operating Director for Arriva UK Bus said: "We are very disappointed that we were unable to reach an agreement with Unite and GMB, who have confirmed they plan to hold a strike for an indefinite period across services in the North West from 2am Wednesday July 20. Our people play a hugely important role keeping Merseyside moving and they fully deserve a fair pay rise – especially with the cost-of-living increasing so much.
"It’s why despite the significant pressures on the bus sector with increasing costs and passenger numbers still at below pre-pandemic levels, we have offered our people a generous pay rise of 8.5% - an increase far higher than most workers are receiving from their employers at a time of considerable economic pressure."
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