First Bus Statement
Following discussions between First South Yorkshire and Unite the Union yesterday, strike action planned on First buses in Sheffield on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October is being strongly recommended for suspension by Union officials.
The suspension of strike action in Sheffield on 15, 16 & 17 October will be strongly recommended by Union officials this morning for approval to go to ballot following the resolution of grievance and discipline issues in Sheffield.
Despite First offering to meet the key priorities of the Union in a 2-year pay deal, Unite still plan to take strike action on First South Yorkshire bus services (Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster) on Mondays 12, 19 and 26 October after discussions were unable to reach agreement. First's 2-year deal package offered:
1) to settle the outstanding accrued holiday issue at full rate (£9.13) this year in a lump-sum payment in December
2) a pay increase of 2.5% in April 2010
3) a one-off additional holiday in 2010/11 (as initially requested)
The Unite Union rejected the above solely on the grounds the one-off holiday would not be paid in 2009/10 and this offer has therefore now been removed. This latest rejection by Unite union officials follows a previous offer from First South Yorkshire of 2.95% pay increase this year linked to changes in productivity.
Bob Hamilton, managing director of First South Yorkshire said: "I am disappointed the Unite Union are still taking strike action despite First South Yorkshire offering to meet their 3 key priorities. I even offered a 3-year deal with a pay increase linked to RPI in April 2011.
"First South Yorkshire cannot afford a pay rise this year but have worked hard to deliver a good 2-year offer that would have meant passengers would not be inconvenienced. This package would have helped protect the business and our staff during these tough economic conditions.
"Strike action is bad news for passengers, local businesses and our staff. This action by Unite is senseless considering the consequences on the First South Yorkshire business, the future of our staff and the impact it will have on any offer we can make to the Union in future.
"I call on the Union to call off the remaining strikes and recognise we have met their main aspirations and come back to the negotiating table accepting there is no money for a pay increase until April 2010."
