RMT union members are planning to strike at Stagecoach's Mansfield and Worksop depot over a pay dispute this summer. The strike action is set to take place on July 26, August 2, 9 and 16. Stagecoach East Midlands have criticised the industrial action by calling it a "shameless attack on bus passengers".
320 drivers and engineers are employed at the Mansfield and Worksop depot and have been offered a two-year deal from Stagecoach. The deal would give staff a 13.2% pay increase, with 9.7% uplift in the first 12 months.
Read more: Decision to scrap Trentbarton bus service labelled 'a disgrace'
Three offers have been put forward to the RMT, all of which have been refused. Stagecoach say union members have not been allowed to vote on any of the offers whilst RMT say their members would not accept such two year deal.
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: "The RMT's planned strike action is a shameless attack on bus passengers, which will disrupt people trying to get to work and access vital public services, as well as damaging local businesses.
"The fact is that even in these difficult times, we have offered a substantial pay increase which would give our people a rise of close to 10% within 12 months, with further rises the next year. They would also continue to benefit from good holiday entitlement, pension and other benefits.
"We have now made three separate offers to the union, none of which have been put to a democratic vote by RMT members. Local people will be questioning why their vital bus services are being needlessly disrupted when employees have been denied a voice on our proposals.
"We are absolutely committed to securing the best deal possible for our people, while also protecting the future sustainability of the bus network. We remain open for talks, which is the only route to reaching agreement and securing improved pay for our people. We would urge the union to return to talks so we can deliver a deal that is in the best interests of everyone without damaging disruption to our local communities."
Gary Jackson, RMT Regional Organiser for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire who also has responsibilities with Stagecoach East Midlands, said they have been in negotiations for the past few months with Stagecoach. He has helped to do deals in other Stagecoach garages and those RMT members are happy.
Gary said: "We are just asking for the same at Mansfield and Worksop and the company has refused to give us it. I think our members have decided to take strike action because they want to better their pay.
"Bus drivers are not paid very well at all, they are key workers and deserve a decent pay rise. We want a one year deal and the company are insistent on giving us a two year deal. Our members do not want that.
"Its quite interesting that they have said we have not let the members have a say, well that is just a lie. We have got a branch structure and we have been given a clear mandate by the members from the branch at Mansfield and Worksop what they want. Until we reach that point there is no point in putting it out to the members for a referendum."
He said the RMT Union members at Mansfield and Worksop are asking for a one year deal instead of the two year deal Stagecoach have presented. They want a 9.6% rise over 12 months like what is in place at Chesterfield Stagecoach.
Gary added: "We do not see that its right that our members in the second year of pay will end up with 3.6% because that is what it is going to be if we accept that deal. We can call the action off tomorrow if the manager wants to meet me and do that deal I am more than happy to.
"I think what we have seen in this country is that we are seeing how the cost of living crisis is affecting everybody. Bus workers, a lot of them are only on just above minimum wage so these people are taking a massive gamble by taking industrial action because they want to better themselves.
"I have not heard anything from the managing director in over two and a half weeks. If he is serious about there being more talks then I am happy to meet him anytime, anywhere to get it done.
"I am a little bit shocked about the language used by Stagecoach. It is not an attack on bus passengers, our members are trying to get themselves a better pay rise. It is not an attack to take industrial action. I think the language Stagecoach have used is well off the mark and they should be disgraced in themselves if I am honest."
A spokesperson from Stagecoach East Midlands said: “We are disappointed in the RMT’s planned strike action, which will inevitably have an impact on local people and their ability to access vital services in Mansfield and Worksop. We will keep our passengers updated on affected services, as soon as we have more information.”
READ NEXT:
Fear in suburb where drains dug up by police in large search
Overgrown lane blocking access to garages and has become 'haven for rats'
'People frightened' as python goes missing in Nottinghamshire
The Nottinghamian is the new daily newsletter from the heart of our city
The latest traffic and travel news from Nottinghamshire Live
