BUS services in the West of Scotland are set to be disrupted after hundreds of bus drivers voted to go on strike.
On Wednesday, Unite the union confirmed that 500 Stagecoach drivers will go on strike over a series of days next month after voting 98% in favour of industrial action.
It comes after members rejected an "unacceptable" 4% pay offer by Stagecoach West Scotland, which Unite said would leave workers one of the poorest paid across Stagecoach's UK operations.
Unite said despite ongoing talks with the company, a significantly improved offer has not been put to the drivers who operate out of several depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer.
The union will "bring bus services to a stop" with strike action on May 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19 and 23.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite’s members in Stagecoach West Scotland are being forced to take strike action because of an unacceptable pay offer.
"It is a profitable company and it can easily afford to put a fairer offer on the table for its hard-working drivers.
"We will fully back our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions."
Unite industrial officer Siobhan McCready said: "Our drivers are on one of the lowest rates of pay across the whole Stagecoach group. It’s unacceptable that the company has refused to tackle low pay.
"Unite’s members have no option but to take strike action to get a fair pay rise. They are simply seeking pay parity.
"Strike action during May is set to bring bus services to a stop but the blame for any disruption lies squarely with Stagecoach."
A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "We are disappointed by Unite’s decision to take strike action, which will cause disruption across our communities and significantly impact our customers.
"Despite our best efforts to reach an agreement and avoid industrial action, we must now focus on putting practical plans in place to support our customers during this challenging period. We have a crucial role in helping people stay connected with their communities, and we are working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption.
"The strike action follows the rejection of a pay offer that would have increased hourly rates by 15.6% over two years with terms and conditions in line with other Stagecoach businesses. This offer comes on the back of a previous two-year deal agreed in 2023, which delivered a 13% increase in basic pay.
"We urge Unite to reconsider their position and return to the negotiating table. Our commitment remains to reach a fair and sustainable agreement - one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across West Scotland."
