Pay talks to resume after Arriva bus strike starts in North Wales
Pay talks between union officials and Arriva Wales will reconvene on Tuesday morning on what will be the third day of a five-week bus drivers strike.
Bus services in North Wales have been severely disrupted because of the industrial action which began on Sunday (14 November) after drivers voted to strike.
Industrial action by drivers will continue until an acceptable pay offer is tabled and accepted by the workforce, Unite has said.
Chester, Wrexham, Rhyl and Bangor ❤#CheersDrive pic.twitter.com/Re2uc89hH8
— Martin Murphy (@martinscouse) November 14, 2021
Jo Goodchild, Unite regional officer, said: “It is welcome news Arriva Cymru have agreed to reconvene negotiations. Hopefully the company have considered their position and will now make a pay offer that is line with our member’s expectations.”
Nearly 400 Arriva bus drivers from six depots, including Hawarden, Wrexham and Rhyl, voted overwhelmingly for industrial action last month.
Union leaders said North Wales staff are paid £1.80 less an hour than colleagues in north-west England, strike action is now planned until 19 December.
During this industrial action, no planned Arriva bus services are operating within North Wales and Chester (Except for Arriva Midlands services 2, 2A and 2C in Wrexham and Arriva North West services 84 and X30 into Chester).
The N.E Wales Unite Community Branch also joined brothers and sisters from Arriva Bus Wales who are also taking strike action. The branch proudly support you and stand with you. We also made these brothers and sisters sandwiches! @UniteWales @CymruUnite @Unite_Community pic.twitter.com/cvAoyh3aZw
— Michael Harrison (@MikeHarrison246) November 15, 2021
Discussions had been ongoing between Unite Cymru and Arriva Buses Wales up until Friday in a bid to find a resolution.
On Friday Unite said: “Following further talks with ACAS & Arriva Buses Wales today, the company have failed to present a meaningful offer, so strike action will begin this Sunday as planned.
“Our members are prepared to fight for the fair wage that they deserve & will have our full support.”
A spokesperson for Arriva Buses Wales said: “We are extremely disappointed that despite extensive discussions and a number of improved offers, which would have increased our driver pay to £11.59 per hour back-paid to January 2021 and a further increase to £12.00 per hour in 2022, our customers are still facing a strike this Sunday with no Arriva Buses Wales services able to run if it goes ahead.”
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