Bus drivers to strike over 'real-terms pay cut'

After three months of negotiations, pay offers from Arriva have not met inflation rates, the GMB union says

More than 1,800 Arriva workers will walk out of depots across Manchester and Merseyside today (Wednesday).

After three months of negotiations, pay offers from Arriva have not met inflation rates, the GMB union says.

Some pay offers have been “self-funded” – meaning workers would have to sacrifice other terms to pay for them.

And none have met RPI inflation rates – in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis for a generation.

96% of union members voted for strike action over the offers.

Robbie Marnell, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “No worker should be struggling to cover their bills.

"But in the face of a cost of living crisis, Arriva needs to get real on its pay offers.

“Members have had enough after going the extra mile during Covid - working through the dangers of the pandemic - and now getting scant reward.

“The overwhelming strike mandate shows workers' take on the miserly offer clearly.

"We have our deckchairs ready for the pickets.

“Hopefully the company will listen and get back around the table with a fair offer.”

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