Stagecoach calls for new talks in bid to halt Rotherham bus strike

BUS operator Stagecoach called on trade union Unite to hold fresh talks with arbitration service ACAS in a bid to break ongoing strike deadlock in Rotherham.

Bus drivers in Rotherham have been holding an “indefinite” walkout in the pay dispute since Saturday, having previously walked out for two one-week strikes before Christmas.

Stagecoach said it remained committed to resolving the pay dispute with the Unite and had so far made six different pay offers, all of which had been declined, including one of six per cent.

The company said it had now approached ACAS, the dispute resolution service, for support in trying to find a solution to the impasse

Phil Medlicott, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We recognise the impact that Unite’s actions are having on people locally, and we share people’s frustrations over the damage being caused to local communities and businesses.

“That’s why we remain 100 per cent committed to reaching an agreement with Unite. Our staff deserve a good pay rise and that is what we have offered. However there needs to be flexibility on both sides and we are hopeful that the talks with ACAS will help to find a way forward in settling this dispute. 

“Our teams have done an amazing job during the pandemic, and we very much appreciate everything they have done.

“But at the same time, we have a commitment to continue to protect jobs and ensure that future bus services in Yorkshire remain sustainable for our customers to continue to use. 

“We have now reached agreement with Unite at the vast majority of depots across England, Scotland and Wales, and there is no reason why we cannot reach a sensible and affordable agreement for South Yorkshire.” 

Unite said Stagecoach had reached pay agreements with depots elsewhere with higher pay rises.