National Express bus strikes: Why are drivers in the West Midlands striking and when will it end?

Bus drivers strike in Acocks Green, Birmingham, in an ongoing row over pay and working conditions. Credit: ITV News Central

Bus drivers at National Express West Midlands have been on strike since Monday 20 March.

National Express runs 93% of buses in the region, with the unprecedented strike action wiping out the majority of services - with buses to hospitals being prioritised.

It is causing widespread disruption to those who solely rely on buses to be go about their daily lives - including work, school, medical appointments and shopping.

Here's all the biggest questions about the West Midlands bus strikes, answered:

  • How long will the strike go on for?

It's a continuous and indefinite strike until a pay deal can be agreed on by both sides, say union leaders. Today (Thursday 23 March) marks the fourth day of strike action.

More than 3,100 bus drivers will vote tomorrow and Saturday on an improved offer put forward by the company, Unite said today.

Strike action will continue while the ballot is held on Friday and Saturday.

  • What services are running?

National Express West Midlands runs 93% of bus services in the region - but with 3,000 drivers on strike, there's not many left to drive the buses.

The company says it's running a limited service, primarily operating routes to major hospitals.

  • Which hospitals is National Express still operating services to and from?

The operator says it's committed to continue operating services to and from: City Hospital, Good Hope Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, New Cross Hospital, Russells Hall Hospital, Sandwell District and Walsall Manor.

Some buses were blocked from leaving a depot yesterday by striking bus drivers. Credit: Handout

Members of Unite Union are striking over pay and conditions.

  • What deal is on the table?

Drivers rejected an improved offer of a 14.3% pay increase last week, along with increases to Christmas and New Year’s pay and accident pay.

The package would have brought the vast majority of drivers to £16.46 an hour, or £33,000 for full time work.

However on Thursday afternoon, National Express West Midlands has confirmed it has tabled a new pay deal to workers on strike.

  • What has the union said?

Unite West Midlands has met with National Express West Midlands today.

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said: "Following negotiations today, National Express put forward an improved pay offer which will be put to our members in a vote over the next two days.

"Unite will be making no further comments during the ballot period."

  • What National Express West Midlands said?

The company said yesterday that the number of job applications to be a bus driver have more than doubled since the bus strikes were announced. 

In an average week the bus operator receives 140 applications a week but in the last week - since the strikes were announced - there has been a record 393 applications.

Can I get a refund on my bus ticket?

  • National Express says passengers with advance tickets can get a refund by filling out a form on its website.