Hundreds of Manchester bus drivers to strike tomorrow as 'pay rise vital for families to survive'

More than 300 bus drivers based in Wythenshawe and Bolton are due to strike on Wednesday. The strike over pay comes as Unite the union warns staff are struggling with the cost of living - and describe the walk-outs as a 'last resort'.

In total, more than 1,800 Arriva workers are due to walk out of depots in Manchester and Merseyside. Passengers are warned this will impact services. In Greater Manchester, those routes most at risk are between Wythenshawe and the city centre and Bolton and the city centre. In this region, more than 300 drivers are due to be involved.

The Manchester Evening News has asked for more detail on those services affected and we will share this with passengers when we can.

Dave Roberts, regional officer for Unite, told the Manchester Evening News: "During the cost of living crisis, our members, especially those with large families, are trying to keep up with playng bills, over-inflated prices on fuel and they need a pay rise that will help and support dealing with these issues. They are starting to feel the pinch and a good pay rise is vital for them to be able to survive."

He added: "We do know it's going to impact passengers but unfortunately this is a last resort. There's nothing we can do, this is the way we put pressure on Arriva to come back to the table and make an improved offer. We do apologies to the public for causing any dsiruption."

Although Arriva has offered drivers an 8.5 per cent pay rise, Unite the Union and GMB are pushing for the inflation rate of 11.7pc. In Merseyside, a Stagecoach strike was called off last week after the operator conceded to offer an increase in line with RPI.

The action follows three months of negotiations with bosses. The GMB union says some pay offers have been 'self-funded' – meaning workers would have to sacrifice other terms to pay for them. A ballot saw 96pc of union members vote for strike action.

Robbie Marnell, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “No worker should be struggling to cover their bills. But in the face of a cost of living crisis, Arriva needs to get real on its pay offers. Members have had enough after going the extra mile during Covid - working through the dangers of the pandemic - and now getting scant reward.

“The overwhelming strike mandate shows workers' take on the miserly offer clearly. We have our deckchairs ready for the pickets. Hopefully the company will listen and get back around the table with a fair offer.”

The Manchester Evening News has contacted Arriva for comment.

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