Support remains strong for striking Arriva bus drivers across Merseyside, but there is growing frustration that the ongoing dispute has not been brought to an end after nearly a month.
Last night Arriva drivers overwhelmingly voted down an improved pay offer from the company - thought to be around 9.6% - meaning the strikes continued into a 29th day today. It means large parts of the region have been without public transport access for just short of a month.
Of those who voted on the new offer across the Unite and GMB unions, 79% chose to reject it. The ballot results show there was an 84% turnout across both unions.
READ MORE: Arriva warns of 'misery' as no end to bus strikes in sight
Arriva had said they had hoped their offer would be accepted and that buses would be back on the roads of Merseyside tomorrow. That will not now happen and a new and improved offer will need to be tabled to trigger another vote.
George Patterson, GMB regional organiser, said: “Working people are facing the worst cost of living crisis for a generation. These drivers are fighting for a fair pay rise to help them through it. We need something better from Arriva. Bus drivers need to know that they’ll be able to cover their bills. We won’t stop fighting for our members to get the decent pay they deserve.”
While many people across the region support the striking drivers, there are lots of people really struggling now having had to make alternative arrangements, including forking out for taxis to get to and from work. The news of the rejected vote saw frustrated reactions and calls for Arriva to sort the dispute out and end the strike as soon as possible.
Dr Suzi Gage said: "Solidarity to the workers of course. But seriously Arriva just pay your workers. This is damaging our city." Twitter user Kat added: "We haven't had buses for almost a month now, can Arriva just settle with the union please?!"
William Phillips also took aim at the bus operator, stating: "The greed of Arriva has forced this situation. Offer your staff a decent pay rise and better conditions. Victory to the workers," while Ian said: "This affects me every single day but solidarity to the drivers and good for them. They need to be treated fairly and with respect."
Arriva said it was 'incredibly disappointed' at news of the rejected pay offer. In a statement, the company said: "Following the rejection of our latest pay offer today we agreed to meet the Union's pay demand in an attempt to end this strike action. The Unions responded by significantly increasing their pay demand for the second time in this process. This brings into question their intentions. The Unions are fully aware of the financial implications we face and the implications for our customers and local bus networks across the North West.
"We will continue to do all we can to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible. We understand the detrimental impact this situation is having on our customers, our communities, our local economy - we urge the unions to reconsider their position, act in good faith and show a genuine willingness to resolve this dispute for the benefit of their members and our customers."
The ECHO understands that fresh talks will be held between Arriva and the unions today.
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