Bus services in large parts of Torfaen, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent face more disruption after today’s talks between Stagecoach South Wales and Unite, the union, failed to get to an agreement.
The boss of Stagecoach South Wales has criticised union leaders after an offer that he said would meet the drivers “aspirations halfway” was refused.
Nigel Winter, managing director of Stagecoach South Wales said: “Despite making a further improved offer to Unite today which would meet their aspirations halfway, Unite seem determined to press ahead with strike action, causing further unnecessary inconvenience to our passengers and communities in South Wales.
“We know that our employees deserve a good pay rise and today’s improved offer would see us meet their 10.5% increase in pay rate expectation within two years, and a 12.6% increase in pay in the next 12 months. However Unite refuse to even take the offer to a workplace vote. The pay rise that Unite is demanding would mean cuts to bus services and putting jobs at risk, and is simply is not sustainable right now.
“We’re sorry that Unite are continuing with strike action that will impact our services and do not seem prepared to put an end to the dispute. We remain open and available for talks with Unite and ACAS at their convenience in order to settle this dispute and stand by our offer that would give staff a large pay rise with up to £1,000 of back pay.”
Stagecoach bus drivers are paid £9.50 an hour and voted for industrial action after their request for £10.50 was turned down.
Stagecoach’s website will be updated with service information and revised timetables. Strike action will not impact services at Aberdare, Caerphilly, Merthyr and in the Rhondda.
Cwmbran Life has asked Unite for a comment.