‘Mass disruption’ expected as Greater Manchester Bee Network bus drivers prepare to strike this month

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Yellow Bee Network buses all lined up at dusk / Credit: TfGM

‘Mass disruption’ is expected on the Bee Network this month as thousands of bus drivers are set to stage strike action.

2,000 workers who are employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester, and First Bus Rochdale – all of which are firms among those that make up the bus part of the Bee Network – will walk out in a co-ordinated strike amid an ongoing pay dispute.

Unite the Union says all the firms are ‘highly profitable’ and it’s therefore ‘disappointing’ that workers are being denied a fair wage.

At Stagecoach, around 1,000 drivers based across the Oldham, Stockport, and Middleton depots have rejected a pay offer of 3.5%, and 1,000 Metroline Manchester members will also do the same after turning down an ‘unsatisfactory’ below-inflation pay offer.

Workers at both Metroline and Stagecoach believe the offer doesn’t address years of low pay they’ve recieved, especially given the ongoing cost of living crisis.

‘Mass disruption’ is expected on the Bee Network this month / Credit: TfGM

Then, over at First Bus Rochdale, 110 members have rejected this year’s pay offer of 6%, as they feel this does not go far enough to address the fact they’ve had years of being paid less than their counterparts at other companies, and are still the lowest paid in the region.

Stagecoach, Metroline, and First Bus Rochdale, part of First Group PLC, are all firms which have seen a rise in profits in recent years.

Given the number of drivers and companies involved in the upcoming strikes, Unite says ‘travel chaos’ is expected – with many delays and cancellations of services in Manchester and the surrounding areas.

2,000 drivers are set to stage strike action / Credit: TfGM

It’s also expected to impact several events on in the city centre, including Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford, comedian Peter Kay’s gig at the AO Arena, and singer Tom Grennan’s concert at Co-op Live.

“With so many drivers across the Bee Network walking out at once, this will be a highly disruptive strike that will bring parts of Greater Manchester to a standstill,” admitted Unite regional officer, Colin Hayden.

“We know residents will be disappointed to hear of potential action, but this is entirely the fault of the employers involved and our members feel they have no choice but to walk out to make their voices heard.

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“Unite remains open to negotiations with the bus companies who need to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer.”

Strikes will take place this month from 19 to 22 September.

Featured Image – TfGM