Hampshire Bus Drivers Plan Christmas Strike Amid Pay Dispute

Over 140 bus drivers and supervisors are preparing for a Christmas strike due to a disagreement concerning wages. The Unite trade union announced that its members employed by First Bus in Hampshire will engage in industrial action to express their dissatisfaction with the compensation rates offered. Employees based at the Hoeford depot, who operate routes spanning Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth, and extending into Southampton, are scheduled to cease work on December 19, 21, 24, and 26. First Solent conveyed its “disappointment” regarding Unite’s decision but affirmed its commitment to continue discussions with the union in an effort to avert industrial action. Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, asserted that staff are being paid just above the minimum wage “for a skilled and high-pressure job,” a situation she deemed “utterly unacceptable.” She further stated, “First Group is making millions of pounds of profit across the UK on public transport yet is treating its workers and the communities they come from in Hampshire with disdain.” According to the union, the company has presented its staff with a 4% pay offer. Unite also reported that the bus operator recorded a turnover of nearly £37m across Hampshire & Dorset in 2023. Ian Woodland, Unite regional officer, commented, “First Hampshire will now see its services grind to a halt over Christmas as our members head to the picket line.” He added, “This is a strike of First Group’s own making and it needs to urgently come back to the negotiating table with an improved offer our members can accept.” A spokesperson for First Solent stated: “We are disappointed at Unite’s decision to announce potential strike action. This will cause severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.” The spokesperson continued: “The management team at First Solent have been working hard to agree a pay settlement and have already made a substantial offer. Discussions with Unite the union continue, and we are focused on trying to avoid any industrial action.” They concluded: “We would like to apologise to our customers for the disruption the strike action may cause.”