Talks under way to stop First Bus drivers strike due for Black Friday

Talks are under way to try and avoid a week-long strike by First Bus drivers in Glasgow due to begin on Black Friday.

Unionised drivers voted to walk out starting at 4am on November 24 – as one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year before Christmas begins – and will continue until 4am on the following Friday, December 1.

It comes after Unite members rejected a pay offer which they described as “unacceptable” by 99%.

First Bus said its pay offer is more than 11% and is “well above” inflation.

The offer was declined on the basis that it falls significantly below the pay levels of other drivers across First Group’s UK operations, Unite claimed.

The drivers, who are based in the Blantyre, Caledonia, Dumbarton, Overtown and Scotstoun depots, are employed by First Glasgow (No.1) and at First Glasgow (No.2).

The companies are part of First Group PLC’s bus operations in Scotland.

Graham McNab, Unite industrial officer, added: “The dispute at First Bus is down to our drivers being underpaid and undervalued for a number of years. First bus has millions sitting in the bank and its operations across Greater Glasgow recorded profits of £4.3m last year.”

A First Bus spokesperson said: “In recent years, First Glasgow has heavily invested in electrifying its fleet as well as making significant pay awards. The investment has exceeded any profit made and has ensured we have a far more sustainable business for the future.

“At First Bus, we look after our people and pay them a fair wage relative to the role they perform in the business. We have invested heavily in improving working conditions and enhanced benefits for our colleagues.

“We will be looking to continue discussions with union representatives in an attempt to reach a resolution.”