ECHO readers have reacted to the possibility of a bus strikes across Merseyside with many backing the drivers.
Unite the Union says it has been left with "no choice" but to ballot nearly 2,000 Arriva drivers after receiving what the union described as a "subpair pay offer."
Union officials warn a strike could "severely disrupt" travel across the Merseyside area if drivers at depots including Birkenhead, Runcorn, Bootle, St Helens, Liverpool, Southport and Winsford vote to proceed with strike action, which could take effect from the end of October.
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Arriva said it will continue to "engage in discussions with our trade union partners and remain committed to reaching an agreement."
While some people commenting on social media and in the comments section of the ECHO website expressed concerns at travel arrangements, especially given the recent fuel crisis chaos, many offered their support to drivers engaged in the dispute.
One person said: "Have my backing and I depend on the buses"
Another added: "We all want and deserve a fair pay rate. No excuses in 2021. They've paid a lot of money for that licence."
A third person commented: "They've got my backing, if the bus companies don't want disruption don't offer 'subpar pay'"
A fourth person added: "Public support would be great... heroes in lockdown to villains..."
Another said: "We must support the drivers"
ScabbieOldDog said: "Good. Its time workers in every industry stood up for what they're worth and what they deserve." while VauxhallBlue added: "Solidarity with the Arriva bus drivers."
But others were worried about what a bus strike could mean for other people trying to get to work.
One person said: "When people have no petrol as well."
Posting on the comments section of the ECHO website, Nikki1771 said: "I appreciate their position but then other key workers who haven't go union support can't get to work."
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.”
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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