Bus strikes could halt services in northern Scotland within weeks, union warns

A union has warned that bus services in northern Scotland could come to a halt within weeks after members voted for strike action in a dispute over pay.

Unite the union said that around 200 Stagecoach bus drivers have backed strike action after rejecting an “unacceptable” pay offer.

It said that any industrial action would have an impact on Stagecoach services in Skye, Orkney, and to the north and west of Inverness.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s Stagecoach bus drivers who provide a vital service across the Scottish Highlands and Islands deserve an improved pay offer. The company continues to increase its bank balance at the expense of our members, and this is not acceptable.

“We will back our Stagecoach members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Unite said that the rejected pay offer amounted to 4% from July with a further 2.5% increase from January 2025.

The initial six months offer was then followed by a 3% pay offer running from July 2025 for one year, it said.

Marc Jackson, Unite industrial officer, warned that Stagecoach bus services across the Highlands, Skye and Orkney could come to a halt “in a matter of weeks”.

He said: “This dispute could be resolved by a fair and reasonable pay offer to our members.

“We would urge Stagecoach to see sense instead of continuing down a road which will lead to significant disruption for the travelling public.”

Stagecoach Highlands said it was working to minimise any potential disruption.

Its spokesperson said: “We have been informed by Unite that members in Stagecoach Highlands have voted to undertake industrial action.

“Our joint negotiating committee of union representatives and management are working hard to reach a fair deal for our team across the region.

“We would like to reassure our passengers that we are doing everything we can to minimise any potential disruption to services, and will provide further updates in due course.”