Gloucestershire Bus Drivers to Ballot on Strike Action Over Pay Dispute

A ballot is underway for over 200 bus drivers in Gloucestershire regarding potential strike action. The Unite union states that more than 250 Stagecoach West drivers across Gloucestershire, specifically in Cheltenham, Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, and Stroud, are “angry over pay.” Unite reported that Stagecoach West’s proposed pay agreement, which has been rejected for the four depots, does not include back pay and stipulates the removal of weekend and bank holiday rates. A spokesperson for Stagecoach West affirmed the company’s commitment to “reaching a fair deal” for its employees. According to Unite, the offer from Stagecoach West would result in its drivers earning less than those at other bus operators in Gloucestershire, who “not only pay higher regular rates but have enhanced weekend and bank holiday rates as well.” The ballot concerning strike action commenced on Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude on 9 January. Any industrial action would affect services originating from the company’s depots located in Cheltenham, Coleford, Gloucester, and Stroud. Amy Roberts, a Unite regional officer, stated that Stagecoach West must present “acceptable offers” to avert a strike. She added, “If that does not happen it will be entirely responsible for any disruption caused to services across Gloucestershire during the winter months.” A Stagecoach West spokesperson commented: “We are aware of Unite’s ballot on strike action in Gloucestershire, and we urge the union to return to negotiations after rejecting our most recent pay offer. Stagecoach is committed to reaching a fair deal for our team across the region and we value the contribution of all our people.”