Advertisement

Devon bus drivers will decide whether to strike over pay

750 staff will be balloted to decide on the next course of action. Credit: ITV West Country

Union leaders are asking Stagecoach bus drivers in the South West to decide whether they should strike over pay.

RMT say the company's pay offer is below inflation and so is effectively a pay cut in real terms.

The union will ballot 750 staff in Exeter, Torquay and Barnstaple before deciding whether to strike.

Bus workers in the South West provide an essential service across a wide geographical area and they deserve a fair deal on pay.

– Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary

Stagecoach South West says it has worked closely with union representatives over several months to try to agree a pay deal.

We have done our utmost to present a series of offers that meet their expectations whilst also being affordable for the long-term sustainability of the region's bus network.

Following our most recent meeting, I was confident that we had made progress, particularly as I was advised the offers were to be put to members for their consideration.

However, I remain confident that, with open and honest dialogue and commitment on all sides to exploring all the options on the table, we will still be able to reach an agreement that is in everyone's best interests.

– Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West