"Bus drivers in Greater Manchester threaten to walk out as they brand Stagecoach 'penny-pinching'", 22 September 2021

Drivers working for...Stagecoach are threatening to walk out in a dispute over pay.

More than a thousand drivers, members of Unite the union based at depots in Hyde Road, Sharston, Stockport and Ashton, are being balloted to strike...

Unite leaders claim that Stagecoach, which operates as Greater Manchester Bus Company South, is refusing to make a pay offer which 'in anyway meets the aspirations of the drivers'.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said:...“Unite members all over the UK are voting for industrial action right now over Stagecoach’s ‘penny pinching’ on pay...

In addition to a pay increase workers are also seeking an improvement in sick pay to allow workers to self-isolate when necessary...

...a Stagecoach Manchester spokesperson said: ..."We are committed to offering good packages for our people...we have made a good offer to deliver further improvements in pay and conditions in Manchester that exceeded Unite's aspirations. In addition, the Unite Pay Committee went to their members with a strong recommendation to accept this offer.

"...Covid-19 has resulted in bus passenger numbers being only 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Passenger fares are significantly short of what is needed just to even cover the day-to-day costs of running services. As a result, services being run by all bus operators require support from the government. Any changes to pay and conditions have to reflect the local economic conditions, the varying costs of running services and the level of passenger journeys if the bus network is to remain sustainable.

"We very much remain open to continuing discussions with the union and would urge them to return to talks."