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Cambridge Bus Strikes Postponed Amid Pay Talks
28 Jan
Summary
- Bus strikes in Cambridge have been postponed to allow for pay talks.
- Drivers sought a 9% pay rise due to job demands and cost of living.
- Stagecoach East implemented a 4% pay increase for the Cambridge team.
Bus strikes planned for drivers and engineers at Stagecoach East in Cambridge have been postponed. Unite the Union confirmed the industrial action, originally scheduled for Wednesday and Friday, has been delayed to facilitate further talks. This follows earlier actions by staff during the Christmas and January period, stemming from a dispute over pay.
Pay talks between Stagecoach East and the union commenced in September. Union representatives highlighted that Cambridge drivers receive £16.22 per hour, compared to £18 in Manchester and £17.43 in Liverpool. Members requested a 9% pay increase, citing the challenging nature of the job and the increased cost of living. Stagecoach East indicated it was unable to meet this specific demand.
Darren Roe, managing director of Stagecoach East, stated that a 4% pay rise was implemented for the Cambridge team starting December 28, aligning with increases given to other depots. He expressed relief that essential journeys for work, medical appointments, and education would not be disrupted, emphasizing the company's priority to restore network stability.
