Translink has accused two trade unions of declining to commit to providing public transport for pupils and key tourism services across Northern Ireland during a planned strike later this month.
Commuters face having no Ulsterbus and Metro bus services for one week after bus drivers from Unite and GMB voted to take strike action over a pay offer from Translink.
The transport unions are calling for a 6% pay rise for drivers.
Read more: Key dates in shut down of Translink bus services across NI due to strike action
The strike action is planned to start on Monday, April 25 and will conclude on Sunday, May 1, with an additional single day on Friday, May 6 to mark the Stormont Assembly election count beginning.
Translink has previously expressed disappointment at the move and said it was working to avoid the action.
And with the planned strike due to take place on the week schools return from the Easter holidays, the transport company has said keeping school services open was a priority.
All train services will continue to operate as normal.
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In a statement on Tuesday, Translink said it has met with officials from Unite and GMB trade unions.
A company spokesperson said: “We remain committed to working with the unions to avert this unprecedented industrial action that would disrupt essential public services for passengers, school children and communities right across Northern Ireland.
“As a priority, we asked the Unions to continue to provide public transport for school children, reflecting on the wellbeing of young people as we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly as we come close to exam season.
“Regrettably, the unions have declined to give any commitment to providing public transport for school children during the proposed seven-day strike action.
“We will continue to discuss this issue, but parents and carers are advised to stand ready to make alternative arrangements for children that normally travel on any Translink bus service to and from school.”
They added: “We also asked the unions to provide public transport for key tourism services during the proposed seven-day strike action, reflecting on the impact to the local economy, including cross border and local airport services, as well as the buses booked to support the international Belfast City Marathon event and services for visitors on those cruise ships due into Belfast Harbour.
“Regrettably, the unions at this point have also declined this request. Event organisers will need to make alternative arrangements if we cannot reach a resolution in the coming days.
“Translink will communicate relevant passenger information through the media, on their website www.translink.co.uk, through social media, in stations and on buses and trains.
“Translink apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Unite and GMB members initially balloted their members on the matter, with Translink offering a 3% pay rise, a level the unions have claimed represents a real terms pay cut for staff and one which has been rejected four times by their workers.
GMB said 82% of its members backed strike action, with unions submitting a pay claim of 6% to help the bus drivers, cleaners and shunters cope with rampant inflation.
Denis Walker, GMB Senior Organiser, said: "We welcome Translink management remaining 'committed to working with the unions to avert this unprecedented industrial action'.
"GMB is also committed to finding a solution.
"That solution can and will only be found when Translink recognise our members deserve a pay increase that addresses the increased pressures caused by the cost of living crisis.
"Our members are aware of the disruption this action will have on the travelling public; they have been the same passengers that our members have provided carriage for throughout the pandemic.
"Translink management need to recognise the efforts of our members during these unprecedented two years.
"We do not take this action to cause distress to the public, but our members have been left with no alternative.
"The solution to this lies firmly with Translink and we too remain committed to finding a resolution."
Unite has previously said the industrial action had the potential to "paralyse all bus services" in Northern Ireland.
The union has also been contacted for a response.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon say they have become increasingly concerned about the possible bus driver strikes.
The event will take place on Sunday, May 1 with over 15,000 participants signed up to run, walk or jog. If the strike proceeds, organisers say it will have a detrimental effect on event logistics.
They say Translink are responsible for all shuttle buses for the team relay event – ferrying team members to their changeover points on Montgomery Road, Boucher Road, Falls Road, and North Queen Street.
In addition, free park and ride buses are available for all participants and spectators from the City Centre to Stormont Estate (Start Area) and from the finish line in Ormeau Park to the City Centre.
Disruptions to Glider services from the city centre to Upper Newtownards Road will also affect participants returning to Stormont Estate to collect their vehicles post-race, they add.
The organisers are liaising with Translink and are hoping that the issue can be resolved. However, any alternative plans will be unlikely to fully replicate the service, which is normally provided by Translink.
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