South Yorkshire Bus Drivers in Strike Threat

Outraged bus drivers in South Yorkshire could be set to strike after a breakdown in pay negotiations with First Bus. Drivers are locked in a pay dispute and union members are being balloted for potential industrial action. For full details, see our in-depth strike threat report.

Ballot for Potential Industrial Action

First Bus has offered drivers in Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster a pay freeze this year followed by a 1% rise in 2016 — an offer that has been rejected by Unite members. The union has commenced a ballot to determine whether drivers will proceed with strike action.

Union Response and Driver Sentiment

The mood among drivers is very, very high. They feel they have worked diligently to restore the company’s fortunes and deserve a fair share of the rewards. As one union official commented:

“There are many people in South Yorkshire who feel they need a pay rise. The First Bus drivers are no different. There is outrage and the feeling is that members are not going to accept zero per cent this year.”

He added: “Drivers do not want to disrupt services for customers. They want to see First Bus as a well-used, well-run company with a well-liked bus service and share in the benefits of turning the business around since the recession.”

First Bus Statement

A First Bus spokesman said:

“First and our driver employee trade union representatives, Unite, remain in pay talks with the current pay deal ending on 31 March this year. While we must take into account rising costs and very low inflation, we are confident we can reach an agreement and avoid any unnecessary industrial action. We’ll keep talking to Unite to put in place a realistic solution so that we can continue attracting customers onto First buses with a sustainable business position.”

Additional Resources

• Outraged South Yorkshire bus drivers in strike threat
• Bus drivers strike threat analysis

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