Bus strikes back on the cards after crunch talks by Unite and First stall

BUS strikes are planned for two Saturdays in a row as drivers continue their pay row with bosses.

Up to 900 First South Yorkshire workers are planning to walk out on Saturday, July 27, and Saturday, August 3, after crunch talks between management and the Unite union failed to reach an agreement.

Earlier this week, the drivers rejected by a three-to-one majority a pay offer Unite regional officer Phil Bown called “pitiful” and “insulting” said “could be measured in a few pence an hour following on from the one our members rejected this week”.

Mr Bown said the union remained open to talks.

Garry Birmingham, managing director of First South Yorkshire, said: “We’re extremely disappointed that we have been unable to agree a way forward to avoid strike action.

“Over the next few days, we will be working hard to finalise our contingency plans and establish what level of service we will be able to provide for our customers.”