More than 1,000 Stagecoach bus drivers set to take strike action

More than 1,000 bus drivers in Greater Manchester are set to go on strike after a union said members 'overwhelmingly' voted to take strike action.

Unite said strikes by Manchester members employed by Stagecoach would take place over four days next month. August 11, 12, 13 and 14 have been pencilled in, added the union.

Ashton, Sharston, Hyde Road and Stockport bus depots are set to be impacted, together with all depots in Manchester. The union said members had rejected a pay offer.

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In a statement on Friday, Unite said: "The drivers have responsibility for manoeuvring large vehicles all day through heavy traffic and care for the safety of thousands of passengers. They have rejected an offer of just four per cent from June 2023, with a further four per cent in December. With the current rate of inflation, RPI, standing at 10.7 per cent, this is a real terms pay cut.

"Stagecoach's latest financial report showed its adjusted profit before tax increased 98 per cent to £36.4 million in the six months to 29 October 2022. For the 2021/2022 financial year, Stagecoach reported revenues of almost £1.2 billion with adjusted profits of £72.7 million."

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Stagecoach is bringing in massive profits and can well afford to give its drivers a reasonable pay increase. The company must put forward an offer that acknowledges rising living costs and the demands of what is a difficult and stressful job. Unite's top priority is our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and Manchester’s Stagecoach drivers have the full backing of their union.

"Strike action will take place on 11, 12, 13 and 14 August. Bus