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Passengers in Bedfordshire are being warned of a reduced Stagecoach bus service due to strike actions scheduled throughout July and August. The industrial action follows the rejection of a pay offer made to bus drivers, leading to potential disruptions, notably during major local events such as the Bedford River Festival. This decision has sparked significant debate between the union Unite and Stagecoach management.
Strike Action and Pay Dispute
In a bold move, over 140 drivers employed by Cambus, a subsidiary of Stagecoach, have voted to strike after rejecting a recent pay proposal. The union Unite has been vocal about the reasons behind the strike, asserting that the company has failed to put forward a decent pay offer.
Unite regional officer Mark Plumb criticised Cambus for undervaluing its workers, stating that drivers at Cambus earn £13.46 per hour, which is significantly lower than the £15 per hour offered by other companies in the region. Plumb highlighted the mounting frustration among drivers, who feel they are being unfairly compensated compared to their peers.
"Cambus needs to start valuing its workers and understanding their sense of frustration at being the lowest paid drivers in the region," said Plumb. "Instead, it is making absurd demands about reducing sick pay and overtime while demanding more and more of its drivers."
He emphasised that the drivers’ decision to strike reflects their growing anger and dissatisfaction. “Our workers aren’t going to stand for it anymore and will demonstrate their level of anger on the picket line next week,” Plumb announced.
Stagecoach's Response to the Strike
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, expressed disappointment over the rejection of the pay offer by the Bedford driving team. He explained that the company's proposal included a significant pay increase of 15.14% over two years, with an 11.16% rise in the first year, following an 8.8% award previously.
“We believe the industrial action called by Unite Union is unnecessary,” Roe remarked. “We are committed to offering good pay packages for our people and remain open for talks with Unite. However, we also need to consider the future of the bus network and the implications of higher pay demands on the cost and scope of services we offer to the local community.”
Roe apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the strike, stressing that Stagecoach aims to minimise disruption as much as possible. He urged affected passengers to check the Stagecoach website for up-to-date information regarding available services.
Impact on Bedford River Festival
The timing of the strike is particularly concerning for those planning to attend the Bedford River Festival, an event that attracts over 250,000 visitors. With reduced bus services, attendees are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to avoid missing out on the festivities.
Mr. Roe specifically mentioned that the 905 service will be impacted, though he assured that services in Cambridge, Peterborough, and the Busway will remain unaffected. He apologised for the inconvenience caused and reiterated the importance of planning ahead for travel during the festival weekend.
For more detailed information about the services available during the strike period, passengers can visit the Stagecoach website here.
The upcoming weeks promise to be challenging for both Stagecoach and its passengers, as the ongoing pay dispute unfolds and its impact on local travel becomes increasingly evident. As negotiations continue, there is hope that a resolution can be reached to prevent further disruptions and restore normal bus services in Bedfordshire.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
