Stagecoach drivers escalate pay dispute

31 January Stagecoach South Yorkshire bus drivers, members of the union Unite, have stepped up their action in the fight to improve their wages. A mass meeting rejected Stagecoach's offer which refused to back pay any increase to June 1st 2011 and voted to strike on 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th February and to follow this up with further strikes if management do not produce a reasonable offer.

So far, over 300 drivers, working out of Barnsley and Rawmarsh (Rotherham) depots, have taken 8 days of strike action since November. The company have only been able to keep about 60% services running by bringing in management and scabs from around the country. The next four days of strikes on every other day will cost the company a fortune in bonuses, hotel and travel for the strike-breakers. Stagecoach can’t keep this up as its more expensive than meeting the drivers’ demands. And it shows that clearly the company can afford to pay the increase Unite are seeking.

Barnsley Trades Council have organised a demonstration in the town on the next strike day, Saturday 4th February. Supporters are asked to assemble at 10.30am at the Jumble Lane crossing end of the bus station where the pickets stand during the day. After a rally at the picket line there will be a march through Barnsley town centre and a final rally in Peel Square.

Money to the bus strikers' hardship fund is coming in from a number of workplaces and unions. This is helping to support those members who are struggling to make ends meet with the frequent strikes.

Messages of support should be emailed to Barnsley Unite branch secretary Tony Rushforth at [email protected]. Cheques should be made payable to TGWU 9/9 Barnsley and sent to: A Rushforth, 45 Tune Street, Wombwell, BarnsleyS73 8PX