Disruption across Stagecoach West bus services as drivers to strike

Bus services across the West of Scotland are set to be disrupted throughout May after Stagecoach drivers voted for strike action.

Pay talks broke down between Unite union members and the firm after staff rejected a 4% pay offer.

The union said that despite ongoing talks between Stagecoach West Scotland and drivers operating out of depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer, an improved offer has not been tabled.

Industrial action is set to take place over a series of days, including:

Friday, May 2
Tuesday, May 6
Friday, May 9
Monday, May 12
Friday, May 16
Monday, May 19
Friday, May 23

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members in Stagecoach West Scotland are being forced to take strike action because of an unacceptable pay offer. It is a profitable company and it can easily afford to put a fairer offer on the table for its hard working drivers.

“We will fully back our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

The union believes the current offer would still leave the workers one of the poorest paid across Stagecoach’s UK operations.

Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, added: “Our drivers are on one of the lowest rates of pay across the whole Stagecoach group. It’s unacceptable that the company has refused to tackle low pay.”

“Unite’s members have no option but to take strike action to get a fair pay rise. They are simply seeking pay parity. Strike action during May is set to bring bus services to a stop but the blame for any disruption lies squarely with Stagecoach.”

Stagecoach said it was “disappointed” by the decision to take strike action despite “best efforts” to come to an agreement.

The bus firm said it would cause disruption across its services and “significantly” impact customers.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “We must now focus on putting practical plans in place to support our customers during this challenging period. We have a crucial role in helping people stay connected with their communities, and we are working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption.

“The strike action follows the rejection of a pay offer that would have increased hourly rates by 15.6% over two years with terms and conditions in line with other Stagecoach businesses.

“This offer comes on the back of a previous two-year deal agreed in 2023, which delivered a 13% increase in basic pay.

“We urge Unite to reconsider their position and return to the negotiating table. Our commitment remains to reach a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across West Scotland.”