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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Jasmine Norden

Leeds bus drivers could go on strike and cause huge disruption as pay dispute rumbles on

A pay dispute with bus drivers could see buses in Leeds hugely disrupted in December.

Unite the Union have said drivers with First Leeds are considering strike action after an "unsatisfactory" 1% pay rise offer.

Around 900 drivers working for First Leeds are currently being balloted to decide whether they would like to take strike action.

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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “A pay rise that is four per cent below the current RPI is a not pay rise at all. In fact, it is a pay cut. How can that be acceptable to our members at First Leeds?

“The company should be in no doubt that if our members vote for strike action, Unite will throw its full weight behind their campaign to get a wage increase that reflects their hard work and dedication to the job.”

The ballot will close on November 18 after opening last week. If it is successful, strikes could begin early December.

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Unite regional officer Darren Rushworth said: “The company’s current offer has been overwhelmingly rejected by the workforce. This makes the chances of the strike ballot passing, which would result in major disruption to bus services, highly likely.

“Our members performed a vital role during the pandemic and have stepped up in recent weeks to cover the extra work created by the driver shortages. The least they deserve is a pay rise that reflects the rising cost of living.”

First had to change some routes in Leeds temporarily recently because of the national shortage of bus drivers.

A spokesperson for First Leeds said: "We remain committed to constructive talks with union representatives to find an agreement and avert any potential for industrial action.”

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