New two-week strike planned by bus drivers

UNITE has announced a 14-day bus strike after this week's industrial action failed to budge bosses.

- STAFF REPORTER

An estimated 600 drivers from the Lawrence Hill and Hengrove depots began a four-day walkout on Tuesday resulting in widespread cancellations.

Their dispute is over the terms of a new pay offer but, although over a relatively minor point which the union claims would cost £300,000, a deal has not been done.

Last night Unite announced drivers would hold an “extremely disruptive” two-week strike from October 1 to 14.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This dispute has been entirely the fault of the employer who has put profits over people throughout.

“We will support the affected members every step of the way throughout this dispute.”

Today workers from both depots will come together in a demo at Broad Quay near the Hippodrome in Bristol, from 10am to 4pm.