Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said: “I am, again, very disappointed to have to announce that Unite the Union have made us aware of four new strike dates, which will impact services, in Cambridge, in January.
“Despite our having further talks, Unite the Union have refused to cancel their strikes, and, indeed, have insisted on announcing further strikes, in January, on Saturday 10th, Monday 19th and Saturday 24th.
“These extra strikes will impact services in Cambridge, but not the Busway and not the wider Cambridgeshire region, as we have already agreed fair and responsible pay rises with our Busway and Peterborough teams.
“Once again, I apologise, to our loyal customers, in Cambridge, for the disruption, which will inevitably be caused by these unnecessary strikes. We will work hard to make extra preparations for our customers on those days, and we urge the union to come to our negotiations with a genuine willingness to secure a deal that is fair for our employees, sustainable, and responsible to the communities we serve.
“Our loyal customers can find the latest information on services and track your bus on the Stagecoach App.
“Unite the Union, representing our Cambridge team, are demanding a pay increase of 9%, which must be delivered within 12 months, despite recent inflation rates of 3.2%. Over the past three years, our Cambridge employees have had pay increases of more than 20%, with inflation averaging under 14% over the same period. Our latest pay offer would mean no change to existing overtime rates.
“Our drivers are already the highest paid bus drivers in the Cambridge region, both in terms of basic hourly rate, overall average earnings and general terms and conditions.
“We must all focus on reaching a deal that does not jeopardise future employment, undermine the long-term sustainability of bus routes, or restrict the ability of the business to invest, grow, and serve communities in the years ahead.”
— Further details are available at: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east/industrial-action.