Driver strikes show no sign of stopping

Buses continue on reduced timetable

- STEPHEN BARK

Ayrshire Stagecoach drivers are in it for the long haul as they continue to take industrial action over a pay dispute.

Politicians, trade unionists and members of the public joined Stagecoach drivers in the picket line as they held a rally in Kilmarnock on Friday, June 13.

Hundreds of drivers based in Ayr, Ardrossan, Arran and Kilmarnock are currently in the middle of a six-week strike which is crippling Stagecoach services across Ayrshire.

Stagecoach drivers in Ayrshire are the lowest paid in the Stagecoach network and the drivers are asking for their pay to be fair and equal to what other Stagecoach drivers earn.

It is alleged that Unite the Union and Stagecoach have not spoken since industrial action began so the scheduled six-week strike shows no sign of stopping.

After a brief march down London Road led by a piper, the drivers gathered on Sturrock Street, adjacent to Kilmarnock Bus Station.

South Scotland MSP Carol Mochan and Cllr Barry Douglas, leader of the East Ayrshire Labour Group were among the speakers which included representatives from the Communication Work's Union, ASLEF and North Ayrshire TUC.