{"id":419129,"date":"2025-09-12T18:44:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T18:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/419129\/"},"modified":"2025-09-12T18:44:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T18:44:13","slug":"bee-network-strikes-to-hit-two-thirds-of-services-across-greater-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/419129\/","title":{"rendered":"Bee Network strikes to hit two thirds of services across Greater Manchester"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many bus services will not run at all as 2,000 drivers take legal action<\/p>\n

18:35, 12 Sep 2025Updated 19:05, 12 Sep 2025<\/p>\n

\"BeeIt is the first wave of industrial action to hit the Bee Network since buses were brought under public control by Andy Burnham(Image: TfGM)<\/p>\n

Bus passengers are set to face major disruption next week with strikes affecting two-thirds of services in Greater Manchester. More than 2,000 members of the union Unite who work under the Bee Network are set to walk out in a coordinated strike over pay.<\/p>\n

It is the first wave of industrial action to hit the Bee Network since buses were brought under public control by Andy Burnham<\/a>. The strikes mean some services – including schools buses – will not run, with all boroughs except for Bolton<\/a> and Wigan<\/a> to be affected.<\/p>\n

It comes after staff at three Bee Network bus operators – First, Metroline and Stagecoach – announced that they would walk out from Friday, September 19 to Monday, September 22. Union bosses have said that the strikes will cause ‘serious disruption to bus services’.<\/p>\n

The strikes will fall on a weekend that will see a number of major events across the region. Manchester United will host Chelsea at Old Trafford<\/a> on September 20, while Peter Kay performs at the AO Arena and Tom Grennan plays at Co-op Live on September 19.<\/p>\n

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With a week to go, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has also provided a full list of the services that will be affected.<\/a><\/p>\n

Around two-thirds of Bee Network buses will not run at all, including some school services. Due to the timing of industrial action, some late-night services on Thursday, September 18 and very early morning services on Tuesday September 23 may also be affected.<\/p>\n

Labour<\/a> councillor Phil Burke, who is the lead member for transport at Rochdale council, says he fully supports the bus drivers going on strike, but he is worried about the impact of the walkout on people who won’t be able to get to work, including over the weekend.<\/p>\n

He said: “I’m worried and concerned about local constituents having to miss work. While we fully understand and appreciate the bus drivers’ concerns, we also have to think about the other people who can’t go to work through no choice of their own.<\/p>\n

“I hope some agreement can be reached as soon as possible to avoid these strikes.”<\/p>\n

\"CounRochdale councillor Phil Burke sits on the Bee Network committee(Image: Rochdale Council)<\/p>\n

At Stagecoach, around 1,000 drivers based at the Oldham<\/a>, Stockport<\/a> and Middleton<\/a> depots have rejected a pay offer of 3.5 per cent.<\/p>\n

Another 1,000 workers at Metroline Manchester – based at the Sharston, Hyde<\/a> Road, Ashton<\/a> and Wythenshawe<\/a> depots – have also turned down a 3.5 per cent pay offer. Meanwhile, 110 members at First Bus<\/a> Rochdale rejected this year’s pay offer of six per cent.<\/p>\n

Unite says the offers are ‘unsatisfactory’ following ‘years of low pay’ and the ‘ongoing cost of living crisis’, with inflation now at 3.8 pc.<\/p>\n

The operators have said they are ‘disappointed’ with the union’s decision to take strike action, saying they are ‘open’ to discussions.<\/p>\n

Labour councillor Anthony McCaul, who is the Deputy Executive Member for Environment, Clean Air and Transport at Manchester council, said: “Whilst this is a matter between drivers, the bus companies, and the Unions, we understand the importance bus drivers play in providing a safe and reliable bee network and hope an agreement can be made that works for all parties to avoid the strikes and the impacts it will have on our residents, businesses, and visitors over the weekend.<\/p>\n

“Some of the areas most impacted by the strikes in Manchester include some of Greater Manchester\u2019s busiest and well used bus routes. Manchester City Council will be working hard with our partners in TfGM to mitigate as many impacts as we can during the strikes especially during a busy weekend of events across the city.”<\/p>\n

\"DannyDanny Vaughan is TfGM’s chief network officer(Image: Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n

TfGM says that several measures are being put in place to help people get around, including allowing customers to use their bus tickets and passes on alternative routes. Passengers with 7-day, 28-day, term-time or annual bus passes, as well as those with concessionary passes \u2013 including Our Pass \u2013 will be able to use their tickets and passes on all Metrolink trams on strike days.<\/p>\n

However, local roads and all other forms of public transport are set to be busier than normal, with demand for hire bikes likely to rise too. TfGM has urged people to allow extra time when travelling and – if possible – to avoid peak times (7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm).<\/p>\n

TfGM Chief Network Officer Danny Vaughan said: “Bus operators across the country are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff. We are encouraging operators and their unions to continue talks, reach agreement and avoid disruption for passengers.<\/p>\n

“Around two-thirds of buses will not run if bus operator staff take industrial action. We know this will impact people\u2019s ability to get around and we\u2019re very sorry for any disruption or inconvenience.<\/p>\n

“Trams and trains will run as normal, as well as some buses in parts of Greater Manchester. People should check to see if their bus service is affected and, if so, plan an alternative journey ahead of time. It will be busier than normal and we\u2019re urging people to leave plenty of time when travelling around the city-region.<\/p>\n

“We are doing all we can to let people know about this and minimise the disruption and keep Greater Manchester moving. Our teams will be out helping passengers, bus tickets and passes will be accepted on trams, and all other public transport services will run as normal.”<\/p>\n

Full list of services affected<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bury<\/p>\n

Bee Network buses:<\/strong><\/p>\n