First Manchester chiefs hit back ahead of multiple additional days of planned bus strikes

First Manchester has rejected claims by Unite that their pay offer is ‘subpar’, or that there are problems with driver shortages

First Manchester has insisted that its generous 15.2% pay increase will make its bus drivers at the Oldham depot some of the best-paid in the region.

The operator also refutes claims by Unite that the offer is ‘subpar’, or that there are problems with driver shortages.

Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First Manchester, said: “We have been in discussions about pay since February and amended our ‘no strings’ offer to bring forward a further increase in pay to this October and this was rejected.

“This would have made our drivers some of the best-paid in the region.”

First Manchester insists it also provides among the best terms and conditions in the sector, including its sick pay scheme and pension benefits.

The operator also states that it is fully staffed with drivers at the Oldham depot.

Further strikes are set to take place on July 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 28,  and today (Tuesday) Unite announced more dates on July 31 and August 2, 4, 7, 10 and 11.

Mr Humphreys added: “Announcing further strike dates is not the way to get this situation resolved.

“Continued industrial action will be damaging to everyone and cause yet more severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.”

School services will continue to operate during strikes together with the Vantage service from Bolton along the guided busway through Leigh and Atherton to Manchester and 184 service between Oldham and Huddersfield.

Tickets purchased on a strike day will not be refunded and customers are advised to check if a service is operating.

Customers with pre-bought tickets for strike dates will be given a refund or replacement tickets to use for future travel.

Further information is available on a dedicated page of the First Manchester website here

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