THERE is still no end is in sight to the strike action being taken by Arriva bus drivers.

The indefinite industrial action began more than a week ago on Wednesday, July 20, with no buses seen on our roads since then.

Arriva say it is “very disappointed” for all its customers affected by the strike and that the company remains committed to getting drivers back behind the wheel as soon as possible.

Howard Farrall, North West & Wales Area Operating Director for Arriva UK Bus said: “We are very disappointed for all our customers affected by the continuing strike action, with still no date yet for services being resumed. 

“We remain committed to getting our drivers back to work and buses back on the road as soon as possible.

“So, it is incredibly frustrating that our trade union partners, Unite and GMB, have today refused both to consider calling off the strike while we bring in ACAS – or to even meet with them.

ACAS is a specialist independent body that supports employees and employers with resolving industrial relations disputes.

Mr Farrall went on to say: “As we have stated repeatedly, we greatly value our people.

“They do a crucial job, keeping our communities and customers moving. 

“They thoroughly deserve a pay rise, especially with the cost of living increasing.

“While trade union members are receiving ‘strike pay’ - we also recognise the importance of getting all of our colleagues back to work.

“Not only does the bus strike harm the very communities we serve, it is in nobody’s interest for this strike to persist a day longer. 

“It’s why we’ve put on the table a very generous increase for bus drivers at 8.5 per cent – which is higher than most workers in either the public or private sector are receiving in these difficult economic times.

“But any pay rises must be affordable, to protect jobs and ensure that bus networks are sustainable when Government funding support finishes in the autumn.

“We ask, again, for the union leadership to suspend the strike, so that we can serve our communities and work with us and ACAS to now bring this dispute to a swift resolution.”

Northwich Guardian: Industrial action outside an Arriva depot. Picture: Craig ManningIndustrial action outside an Arriva depot. Picture: Craig Manning

Robbie Marnell, regional organiser for trade union GMB, said: “No worker should be struggling to cover their bills.

“But in the face of a cost of living crisis, Arriva needs to get real on its pay offers.

“Members have had enough after going the extra mile during Covid - working through the dangers of the pandemic - and now getting scant reward.

“Hopefully the company will listen and get back around the table with a fair offer.”