Arriva bus drivers continue their strike in the hopes of what they see as a fair pay rise.
There has been no breakthrough in a dispute between Arriva and the Unite and GMB unions which has seen continuous strikes held since last Wednesday. During each day of the industrial action there will be no Arriva bus services operating anywhere within Merseyside.
The ECHO headed down to the St Helens picket line on Jackson Street to catch up with striking drivers and union members. Strikers gathered outside the St Helens Arriva depot, where they have received a mostly positive response from passers-by.
READ MORE: Arriva confirm bus strike will continue into next week
Mum-of-four Kirsty Mower told the ECHO: “We’re having to live within our means, I’ve got four kids and I’m struggling to take home a wage to support them.
“It will end up with drivers relying on food banks if something doesn’t happen."
Arriva says it believes it has offered a fair pay rise of 8.5%, but the UNITE union said the issues have "fermented" over a long period of time for workers. Amid frustration from passengers who have been left "stranded" by the strikes, driver Shaun O'Donnell says he sympathises with their struggle.
He told the ECHO: "We empathise with the people who are frustrated we really do, because they’re struggling and want to cheapest option to travel but they’re frustrated because they rely on us. If so many people rely on us we should get a fair wage."
St Helens union's vice chair, Stewart Marsh said: "Arriva is saying we have been offered 8.5% but this is over two six months spells.
“The real offer from Arriva is for a 5% rise until October, and then another 3.5% from then."
A spokesperson for Arriva said: "We are disappointed for all our customers to confirm that the strike will be continuing with no date yet for services being resumed. We remain committed to getting our drivers back to work and buses back on the road as soon as possible. We once again ask the union to call off the action and let our people vote on the latest 8.5% pay offer."
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