HEREFORDSHIRE bus drivers are among hundreds of workers in a strike ballot over pay, the Unite union has said.

Unite announced the strike ballot among 360 bus drivers employed by Stagecoach based at depots in Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Coalway and Ross-on-Wye in a pay dispute.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Low pay is the scourge of the bus industry.

"That’s why Unite has been relentless in its campaign to ensure that our members at Stagecoach receive a fair pay increase.”

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Stagecoach runs several routes in and around Ross-on-Wye, including the major 33 route from Hereford to Gloucester.

In recent discussions between Stagecoach West and Unite, the bus company hit out saying that the union had refused to show any flexibility around pay offers and instead has confirmed plans to press ahead with a ballot of its members, around 196 people, for industrial action.  

Stagecoach warned that the action would damage the livelihoods of local people and businesses, as well as set back the recovery of bus services.

In recent months, Stagecoach said it had employed a team of around 140 new drivers to improve the reliability of services which had been affected by the pandemic.   

Rachel Geliamassi, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “We really value our employees, who are doing a fantastic job under some challenging circumstances, and we agree that they deserve a good pay increase.   

“Our people have previously benefitted from above inflation pay increases and we are continuing with that legacy.

"This year has been a greater challenge, but despite this, we have still put forward strong pay offers of between five to 10 per cent to recognise the valuable role our people play in our communities, and that helps protect the long-term sustainability of the bus network.   

“The very last thing that our customers and communities need is the threat of industrial action.

"We have recruited a large team of additional bus drivers to improve the reliability of our services. Any unnecessary disruption would set back the recovery of bus services and be a real kick in the teeth for local communities. 

"We should be working together on a way forward that protects both jobs and services. Whilst we appreciate Unite remaining open for talks, it’s very challenging that they are unwilling to show any flexibility.  

“We would urge Unite to put customers first instead of creating more uncertainty for people who rely on their bus services to get to work, access public and other services, and stay in touch with their friends and families."

The strike ballot for drivers in the West comes months after a pay dispute at another Stagecoach depot covering Herefordshire.

In the autumn, Unite was asking for drivers at Blackwood, Brynmawr, and Cwmbran Stagecoach depots to be paid £10.50 an hour to bring their salary in line with local competitors - but Stagecoach was sticking to its offer of £10.10 an hour.

The strikes affected the X3, between Hereford and Cardiff.

There are also more fresh disputes flaring in the bus industry, with a strike announced.

Members of Unite employed by First Manchester will walk out for three days a week next month.

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The 300 drivers have already taken industrial action and are due to strike again on Thursday and on January 24 and 26.

Ms said: “Bus drivers, including those at First Manchester, are no longer prepared to accept low rates of pay for the difficult and stressful work they undertake.”

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “Strike action has already caused considerable disruption for bus passengers throughout Greater Manchester. This was directly a result of First Manchester’s refusal to make an offer which meets our members’ expectations.

“Further strikes can be avoided but it requires the company to put forward an improved offer and to return to the negotiating table.”