ARRIVA bus drivers in St Helens and across the northwest have voted for strike action in a pay dispute.

Around 1,800 workers for the bus operator have returned a 96% yes vote in favour of the industrial action.

The Unite union say the planned industrial action is in response to a 'pitiful' pay offer from Arriva of just three per cent with no strings attached, or six per cent which included reductions in sick pay and loss of Saturday enhanced pay.

A union spokesperson added that both offers are below the current real inflation rate (RPI) of 11.7% and constitute a pay cut.

Further talks aimed at resolving the dispute are set to take place between Arriva, Unite & GMB are being held later this week.

Unite added that unless Arriva drastically improves its offer then the first region-wide strike will take place on Wednesday, July 20.

Depots involved in the strike, if it goes ahead, will be:

  • Birkenhead
  • Bolton
  • Bootle
  • Liverpool
  • Macclesfield
  • Manchester
  • Runcorn
  • Southport
  • Speke
  • St Helens
  • Winsford

Pay rates for bus drivers differ between the various depots but the union cited that drivers at Winsford, for example, are paid just £11.08 an hour. The GMB union is also involved in the industrial dispute.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This dispute is entirely of Arriva's own making. It can fully afford to ensure its workers receive decent pay and conditions. Instead, Arriva has made our members a pitiful offer.

"Not only do they want workers to accept a real terms pay cut, they also want them to sacrifice their sick pay. This is just not acceptable.

"Unite will back these members to the hilt until this dispute is resolved and they receive a decent pay increase."

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: "The forthcoming strike action is set to cause widespread disruption to bus services throughout the North West.

"However, this dispute is all about greed not need. Arriva could make its workers a decent offer but it chose not to.

"Even now strikes can be avoided if Arriva made an offer which meets members' expectations and returns to the negotiating table."

An Arriva spokesperson told the Globe: "Further discussions with our trade union partners, Unite & GMB, are being held later this week.

"We remain focused on offering a fair and affordable pay deal which is reflective of our Unions aspirations as well as ensuring our vital bus services and networks are sustainable across the Liverpool City Region.

"We will update when there's news."