SCOTS are set to be affected by six weeks of strike action as drivers at a major firm prepare for action.
Bus passengers across Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and parts of Glasgow are facing major disruption as Stagecoach West Scotland drivers prepare for over a month of strike action.
Unite the union confirmed on May 21 that around 430 Stagecoach drivers will walk out after rejecting a 4% pay offer made last November—an offer the union described as having "strings attached".
Strike action will begin on May 26, with further walkouts on June 2 and June 6, followed by six continuous weeks of industrial action from June 9 to July 21.
Depots affected include Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, and Kilmarnock, with services in those areas – and into Glasgow – expected to be hit hard.
Unite members voted by 98% in favour of striking, with the union stating the pay offer would leave drivers among the lowest paid in Stagecoach’s UK network.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Stagecoach West Scotland is a profitable company.
"It is making money on the back of our members’ hard work and long hours. The company can end this dispute at any moment by putting forward a fair offer.”
Stagecoach, operating under the name Western Buses Limited, reported a £2.99 million post-tax profit in 2024, up from £1.3m in 2023, with revenues climbing to £59.7m.
Unite says the offer would require drivers to work longer hours, take extended unpaid breaks, and lose a week of annual leave.
Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: “Stagecoach West Scotland has not improved their pay offer in six months.
"The drivers are being asked to fund a pay rise by working longer hours, taking longer unpaid breaks and losing a week of annual leave.
"This is simply unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated by Unite.
“Widespread and prolonged industrial action is set to hit bus services across the west of Scotland because this company doesn’t seem capable of listening to its workers.
"It’s not right that the drivers are the lowest paid across the whole of the Stagecoach group. Our members deserve a fair rate, and that’s what we are determined to get for them.”
Strike action had previously been paused to allow talks, after Stagecoach dropped a controversial plan to cancel drivers' annual leave. Unite had warned it would seek an interim interdict if the proposal remained, citing discrimination based on trade union membership.
A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "Following further discussions with Unite, our staff across Dumfries and Galloway have accepted a two year pay deal that will see their hourly rate of pay increase by nearly 12% (11.8%)
“Our Ayrshire staff have, however, rejected this same offer of 11.8%, and 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.
“On Monday 26t May, Monday 2 June and Friday 6 June, services will operate as normal from our Cumbernauld, Dumfries and Stranraer depots with reduced services from our Ayrshire depots. The details of the services being operated can be found on our website.
“We urge Unite to reconsider its 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."
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