🚍 Heads up, folks! Major disruption is on the horizon as First Cymru bus drivers gear up for a strike across Wales. Starting from next Wednesday, October 22nd, they’ll be stepping off the job, stretching through Saturday, October 25th. And that’s not all – additional strike days are planned from October 30th to November 2nd and again from November 5th to November 8th.
Why the walkout? It’s all about pay. Drivers and other staff like cleaners and engineers are rallying for a £15 hourly wage to match their peers at Cardiff Bus and Arriva in North Wales. Right now, they’ve turned down a 5% pay offer, criticising the company for trying to withhold 60% of backpay and starting new recruits on even lower wages.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, didn’t hold back, accusing First Group of making huge profits while offering what she calls “poverty wages.” She assured full support for the workers in this showdown. Alan McCarthy from Unite added that this strike is a direct result of First Cymru’s negotiation tactics.
With depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, and Ammanford set to join the strike, travelling could become quite a challenge. First Cymru is warning passengers to brace for disruption, and says updates will be available on their website. 🚌
Stay informed and plan ahead because this strike is set to impact bus services heavily in the coming weeks.