Major disruption across West and South Yorkshire as Arriva bus drivers stage strike

There is major disruption to bus services across West and South Yorkshire as drivers stage an 'indefinite' strike over pay.Arriva UK says it will be unable to run services across a number of areas including Leeds, Bradford, Doncaster, and York.

The industrial action by Unite members started at 2am on Monday 6 June and is due to last "for an undisclosed period of time".

Unite regional officer Phil Bown has apologised for the disruption to passengers and said rates of pay are 'not superb', with drivers - in some cases - getting less than £10 per hour, having to work up to 50 hours a week and still having to use food banks.

Unite regional officer Phil Bown

In a statement, Arriva says it put forward a generous pay offer and is "deeply disappointed" with the decision to stage strike action and that an agreement has not been reached.

Kim Purcell, Arriva Commercial Director said: "Most of our drivers will go on to £13 an hour which is certainly not poverty pay. New starts coming in will go onto £10.50 an hour so we are imploring Unite to put this out to their members and have a democratic vote.

"We have been through a pandemic and the cost of living crisis is not just hitting people its hitting businesses as well .

"Our costs are increasing particularly around fuel. In light of all those cost challenges not carrying many passengers over the last few years and not making a profit it is a very fair and reasonable offer in those circumstances."

Pre-paid tickets will be accepted by other bus operators.

Where have Arriva bus services been suspended?

  • Wakefield

  • Dewsbury

  • Castleford

  • Pontefact

  • Heckmondwike

  • Cleckheaton

  • Bradford

  • Leeds

  • Ossett

  • Batley

  • Morley

  • Rothwell

  • South Elmsall

  • Hemsworth

  • Huddersfield

  • Halifax

  • Doncaster

  • Selby

  • York

  • Goole

Arriva North East says its services across North Yorkshire are not affected

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