Bus depots across Merseyside could be "seriously disrupted" if drivers go ahead with strike action in a dispute over pay with Arriva.
Unite is calling on drivers to ballot over strike action after receiving what a spokesperson described as a "subpar pay offer" from the bus company.
Arriva said it will continue to "engage in discussions with our trade union partners and remain committed to reaching an agreement."
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Strike action could affect depots in areas across the city region including Wirral as drivers in Birkenhead, Runcorn, Bootle, St Helens, Liverpool, Southport and Winsford depots vote on whether to proceed with the strike action.
A spokesperson for Unite said that nearly 2,000 drivers are being ballot in the latest pay dispute.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The best thing for Arriva to do is provide a decent pay rise for its hard-working and underpaid drivers.
"Arriva can prevent strikes from occurring, and the resulting disruption to passengers, by returning to the negotiating table and making a decent offer.
“But Arriva North West should be in no doubt that Unite is dedicated to fighting for our members’ jobs, pay and conditions, and if there is no improved offer and union members vote for strike action, we are prepared for a relentless campaign.”
The ballot of 1,800 staff across 11 depots opens today and closes on 15 October with strike action possible from the end of October depending on the results.
Unite regional officer Alison Spenser-Scragg said: “The workforces’ anger at Arriva's refusal to put forward an adequate pay increase means we have had no choice but to ballot for industrial action.
“Bus workers were rightly hailed as heroes during lockdown.
"Arriva need to reward this dedication with a decent pay award.”
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A spokesperson for Arriva UK Bus said: "We continue to engage in discussions with our trade union partners and remain committed to reaching an agreement.
"As the country recovers from Covid and returns to public transport, it’s important that we work together to deliver the best possible service to our customers”.
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