Bus workers have announced that they plan to strike from Tuesday, September 30, to Thursday, October 2
Picket line at Oldham Stagecoach Depot(Image: Kenny Brown/MEN)
Bus passengers are being urged to plan ahead as with a second round of strikes scheduled to take place next week. Staff at some Bee Network bus operators – First, Metroline and Stagecoach – have announced that they plan to strike from Tuesday, September 30, to Thursday, October 2.
During the planned industrial action around two-thirds of Bee Network buses across Greater Manchester will not run, including some school services. Due to the timing of industrial action, some services in the very early hours of the morning of Friday 3 October may also be affected.
Last week more than 2,000 members of the Unite began a four-day walk-out in a row over pay. The action caused widespread disruption for passengers which looks set to be repeated next week.
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Bus services in Bolton and Wigan will still operate next week, as well as some routes in north Manchester and the free bus in Manchester city centre. Trams and trains will operate as usual.
Transport for Greater Machester Chief Network Officer, Danny Vaughan, said: “Thanks to all our passengers for bearing with us during the recent days of industrial action. We know it disrupts journeys and we’re sorry to those who needed to make alternative plans.
Major industrial action is taking place across Greater Manchester over the next few days(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“We’re continuing to do all we can to keep Greater Manchester moving during this industrial action and people can once again use their tickets to travel by train or tram. I would ask everybody to still plan their journey in advance, allow extra time and expect other services to be busier than normal, particularly during the morning and afternoon ‘rush hours’.“The three bus operators involved are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff – as is the case across the country – and we are continuing to encourage all sides to continue talks, reach agreement and call off planned industrial action to avoid further changes to services next week.”