March bus strikes suspended after new deal offered

By Connor Steel

FIRST BUS have announced that planned industrial action in March has been suspended after the company offered an improved pay deal for drivers and supervisors after intense discussions; thus providing hope that two months of regular disruption may be concluded for passengers across Gosport, Fareham, and Portsmouth as they prepare for this spring.

Services have been disrupted across the region since December after members from “Unite The Union” choose to take strike action; which started during the festive period, and continued across every weekend in January. These worsened last month as they began to carry out industrial action over several working weeks, including all of the half term holiday.

Union representatives have stated that pay levels were the main reason behind the strikes along with a ‘fire and rehire’ approach to staff over recent times; whilst drivers have asked for better amenities including space for breaks. Previous discussions yielded a 4.8% pay increase for drivers with effect from February 23, but was quickly rejected by members.

However a new offer has since been made by First Bus and members will get chances to vote upon this deal within the next seven days; meaning that the strikes running until March 7 and from March 10 / 11 have been suspended. Normal timetables have now been restarted for all routes, and a short statement from Unite The Union may be read on the link.

Readers are urged to check the First Bus website for all further updates, and may further examine their updated spring timetable for services across the region; whilst there is also the opportunity to plan for future journeys or pay for tickets.

PICTURED BY FIRST BUS: The electric bus vehicle is showcased to a quiet back-drop and a ‘green’ Spinnaker Tower.