Stagecoach bus drivers in Scotland's south and west are set to strike for seven days throughout May, following a rejected pay offer.
Around 500 Unite union members voted overwhelmingly, with 98 per cent in favour of industrial action, after a 4 per cent pay increase was deemed "unacceptable".
The strikes, scheduled for May 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19 and 23, will affect services operating from depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer.
Stagecoach has warned that the action will cause significant disruption for passengers.
Despite ongoing talks between Unite and Stagecoach, an improved offer satisfactory to the drivers has yet to materialise.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated: "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 says the current offer would leave west of Scotland staff among the poorest paid across all of Stagecoach.
It said the employer can afford to offer the drivers a better pay increase, stating its profit after tax increased to £2.99 million in 2024 – up from £1.3 million in 2023.
According to Unite, the company’s revenues also increased to £59.7 million, up from £50.9 million over the same period.
Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, 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 per cent 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 per cent 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.”
