More than 400 workers at Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis bus makers walk out in industrial action

Hundreds of workers at a Scottish bus manufacturer have walked out in strike action over pay and conditions.

Staff at Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) in Falkirk began a three-day period of industrial action on Tuesday after rejecting an initial 4% wage rise offer.

The firm, which won contracts to manufacture 172 green buses through a second round of the Scottish government’s £40.5m Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme, later proposed a second offer of 4% rising to 6.6% from October, but that too was knocked back.

Members of the Unite union said the company’s “healthy order book” combined with soaring rates of inflation expected later this year meant the offer was tantamount to a “real-terms pay cut”.

They urged bosses to get back around the negotiating table ahead of the strike between September 13 and 16.

A second walkout will take place from October 3 to October 14 if no deal is reached before then, workers said.

Around 400 coach builders and spray painters are involved in the current round of action.

Pat Egan, Unite industrial officer said; “Unite has engaged ADL in direct talks for months now to find a resolution to this pay dispute.

“However, despite having a very healthy order book, the company refuse to make our members an offer which their world class work deserves. Our members have been forced by the company to take this strike action and they will continue to take action until the company sees sense.”

ADL was taken over by Canadian-based New Flyer Industries in 2019 and operates two bases in Camelon and Larbert.

A spokesperson for ADL said: “We are disappointed that the unions representing our Camelon factory have not accepted our latest offer and that they will be continuing their plans for industrial action.

“This action comes despite our sincere and best efforts to reach a fair and reasonable agreement.”