Bee Network drivers employed by three companies will take industrial action
11:28, 05 Sep 2025Updated 11:28, 05 Sep 2025
Hundreds of bus drivers will walk out in Greater Manchester(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Hundreds of Bee Network bus drivers are expected to walk out in a four-day strike amid a dispute over pay against their employers.
Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester and First Bus Rochdale workers are all expected to take industrial action later this month.
The three companies are among those which make up the Bee Network under the recently-introduced franchising system.
Unite the Union says more than 2,000 of its members will walk out from September 19 to 22 – which it claims will cause ‘serious disruption to bus services’.
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At Stagecoach, around 1,000 drivers based across the Oldham, Stockport and Middleton depots have rejected a pay offer of 3.5 per cent.
Another 1,000 workers at Metroline Manchester – based at the Sharston, Hyde Road, Ashton and Wythenshawe depots – have also turned down a 3.5 per cent pay offer.
Services in Oldham will be among those affected(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Unite says the offers are ‘unsatisfactory’ following ‘years of low pay’ and the ‘ongoing cost of living crisis’. The most recent rate of UK inflation was 3.8 per cent.
Meanwhile, 110 members at First Bus Rochdale rejected this year’s pay offer of six per cent, which Unite claims ‘does not go far enough to address the fact workers there have had years of being paid less than their counterparts at other companies and are the lowest paid in the region’.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “All of the firms involved in this dispute are highly profitable – but their workers are being denied a fair wage while their employers line their pockets.
“Our members have agreed this is unacceptable and have unequivocally voted to strike. They have Unite’s full backing throughout the whole of this dispute.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite the Union(Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)
The co-ordinated strikes will fall on a weekend that will see a number of major events in Manchester.
Manchester United will host Chelsea at Old Trafford on September 20, while Peter Kay performs at the AO Arena and Tom Grennan plays at Co-op Live on September 19.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “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.
“We know residents will be disappointed to hear of potential action, but this is entirely the fault of the employers involved our members feel they have no choice but to walk out to make their voices heard.
“Unite remains open to negotiations with the bus companies who need to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer.”
Bee Network passengers are warned to expect disruption(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Workers have also been taking part in industrial action in other parts of the country as part of pay rows with bus companies.
Paul Townley, general manager of First Bus in Rochdale, said: “We are disappointed in the decision of Unite to announce strike action.
“The management team at First Bus in Rochdale have been working hard to find solutions to help our valued drivers during these tough economic times
“The pay offer we have made of six per cent is well above current inflation and will help manage the rising cost of living. The Rochdale team is ready and willing to continue discussions and we encourage Unite to join us so we can finalise a settlement.
“Industrial action is not the way forward and will be damaging to everyone, causing severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.”
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A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “We’re aware that some of our Bee Network operators are involved in ongoing pay negotiations and have been informed by them that union members have voted in favour of industrial action.
“Bus operators are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff, and the specifics of any talks is a matter for them and the relevant trade union.Our priority is to keep Greater Manchester moving and we are monitoring the situation closely.”
Stagecoach and Metroline were also approached for comment.