South Wales bus drivers announce two-month strike over unfair wages
Hundreds of bus drivers at First Cymru in South Wales are set to strike from 20 November to 21 January due to a pay dispute. The workers, represented by Unite, feel undervalued and struggle to make ends meet, leading to the upcoming industrial action.
The dispute centers around First Cymru's refusal to pay back-pay from a pay anniversary. Currently, First Cymru drivers are paid 13.40 GBP per hour, while other bus companies in the region pay their drivers between 14.44 and 15 GBP per hour. The workers are demanding fair wages, with a recent offer of 50 GBP leading to increased anger and frustration.
Unite, the union representing the workers, has accused First Cymru of attempting to take industrial relations back to the 'dark ages'. The company is accused of refusing to pay owed monies, trying to bust unions, and paying some of the lowest wages in the industry. The strike action will affect workers operating from depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverford West, and Ammanford.
The communities of South Wales have been let down by First Cymru's treatment of their drivers, according to Unite. The union is backing the bus drivers in their dispute with First Cymru, with the strike action set to cause significant disruption to bus services in the region. Both parties are urged to reach a resolution that is fair to the workers and ensures the smooth operation of essential public transport services.
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