Stagecoach bus drivers in Cwmbran started industrial action today (Tuesday 19 October 2021). A group of around 50 drivers protested outside their depot in the town.
Drivers said there was similar action in Brynmawr and Blackwood as drivers stopped work in their fight for higher wages. Unite Wales want a pay increase for drivers to £10.50 per hour. Talks failed after Stagecoach said they could only pay £10.10 along with changes to certain conditions including sick pay and paid breaks.
Strike action is planned for this week up until 1.59am on Sunday 24 October and restarting again at 2am on Monday 25 October. Scroll down this story for the full list of planned dates.
VIDEO: Cwmbran driver Nick Young explains why they are striking
He said: “We want the same as other bus drivers are getting in the region. We are on the lowest wage of all the bus drivers in the area. We won’t want to do this, we don’t want to disrupt the public, it’s the last thing we want to do. All the public realise we deserve an honest, living wage and we are not getting it.”
Political support in Torfaen
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Lynne Neagle MS, and Leader of Torfaen Council Anthony Hunt released a a joint statement in support of Stagecoach staff. They said: “Key workers such as our bus drivers kept our communities running throughout the pandemic. Without them our essential services could not have been kept open. That is why we wholeheartedly support the Stagecoach staff in Torfaen and throughout Wales in their fight for a better wage.
“£10.50 is not a fantasy wage for our skilled drivers, but the minimum they should expect. It is totally unacceptable for staff to have their paid breaks and sick pay cut. Stagecoach should get back round the table to offer staff the pay rise they deserve.”
Bus service updates
Stagecoach said the following services are affected in Cwmbran, Abergavenny, Blaenavon, Hereford and Pontypool.
- Services disrupted: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 21, 23, 46, 47, 83, X3, X24
- Schools/college services disrupted: 2, 82, 97, 15, 23, 810, 815, X3
- They will be running the following school services 801, 802, 803, 807, STA1, STA2, 820
- Service X24 will be running a limited timetable, this is subject to change on strike days. See the timetable here: Service X24 timetable
Stagecoach drives strike dates
• Starting at 02:00 hours on 19 October 2021 and continuing each day up to 24 October 2021 when the action will end at 01:59 hours
• Starting at 02:00 hours on 25 October 2021 and continuing up to 26 October 2021 when the action will end at 01:59 hours
• Starting at 02:00 hours on 29 October 2021 and continuing each day up to 31 October 2021 when the action will end at 01:59 hours
• Starting at 02:00 hours on 1 November 2021 and continuing each day up to 7 November 2021 when the action will end at 01:59 hours
• Starting at 02:00 hours on 8 November 2021 and continuing each day up to 10 November 2021 when the action will end at 01:59 hours
• Starting at 02:00 hours on 12 November 2021 and continuing up to 13 November 2021 when the action will end at 01:59 hours