A union recently asked for a nine per cent increase in pay, which has been rejected by Stagecoach East.
Stagecoach has confirmed strike action will take place over the Christmas period. There will be reduced bus service across Cambridge with “a simplified range of tickets” available to purchase on buses from Saturday, December 20, through to Saturday, December 27.
Unite the Union has confirmed its members will be striking on Saturday, December 20, Monday, December 22, Wednesday, December 24, and Saturday, December 27. The union recently asked for a nine per cent pay increase to be delivered within 12 months.
Stagecoach and the union have been unable to come to an agreement over the rate of increase in pay. Stagecoach appealed to the union in recent talks on Wednesday, December 17, to suspend the strikes to allow more time for discussions but the union said its members “were keen for the strikes to go ahead”.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said: “Our drivers are already the highest paid bus drivers in the Cambridge region, both in terms of basic hourly rate, overall average earnings and general terms and conditions. With overtime, their average annual earnings exceed £45,000, and Saturday and Sunday overtime is paid at rates of over £23 per hour.
“These figures demonstrate the strength of our current offer and the competitive position of our pay. However, any pay agreement must be sustainable. Around 70% (£2.10) of the cost of a £3 fare-capped bus ticket is already accounted for by labour costs.
“The principles of these pay talks must, therefore, focus on reaching a deal that does not jeopardise future employment, undermine the long-term sustainability of bus routes, or restrict the ability of the business to invest, grow, and serve communities in the years ahead, whilst ensuring our team’s pay is in line with – and ideally above – the local market rate.”
Stagecoach has apologised to customers who rely on the buses and says people can find the latest information on services on the Stagecoach app. The company has said it will remain open to constructive dialogue and wants to reach “a fair and balanced agreement” with the union.
