148 bus – reduced service due to strike action

Stagecoach bosses have warned that services will be reduced when bus drivers stage strike action next week. They say that key routes will be hit from Tuesday, September 5 .

Unite warned that 300 members are set to walk-out as a result of a pay row. The drivers run depots in Nuneaton, Leamington and Stratford-upon-Avon and services are offered across the Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

The union claims that the pay offer was a ‘substantial real terms pay cut’, something that Stagecoach have denied. They have said that the strike action, particularly at the start of a new academic year, will cause significant and unnecessary disruption.

Route 148 Leicester service will be impacted
(Monday to Sunday)
Nuneaton to Leicester: First Bus 07:00 – then Hourly – last Bus 15:00
Mon – Sun No Service at 11:00
Leicester to Nuneaton: First Bus 08:30- then Hourly – last Bus 16:30
Mon – Sun No Service at 12:30

‘Disappointed’ – Stagecoach reaction

Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands, said: “We are extremely disappointed that we have failed to reach agreement with our colleagues in this year’s pay review. We continue to be committed to finding an acceptable and affordable pay offer for our people. But it is important to us that any pay increase we provide is sustainable for our business and ensures the long-term viability of jobs, services and bus depots.

“We have left no stone unturned in trying to reach agreement. We will welcome further discussion with Unite and encourage them to accept our invitation to involve ACAS [the arbitration service] to find an acceptable and affordable resolution as soon as possible. We are disappointed that to date Unite the Union have declined opportunities to involve ACAS.

Stagecoach says it is planning further discussions with Unite in a bid to bring industrial action to an end.