Stagecoach bus services across west of Scotland to stop in May as pay dispute escalates

Unite the union has confirmed that 500 Stagecoach drivers are set to halt bus services across the west of Scotland.

Unite members voted by 98% to undertake industrial action on a high turnout following the rejection of a 4% pay offer by Stagecoach West Scotland.

Unite has said despite ongoing talks with the company, an improved pay offer has not been put to the drivers who operate out of several depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer.

Strike action will now take place over a series of days including the 2nd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th, and 23rd of May.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Unite’s members in Stagecoach West Scotland are being forced to take strike action because of an unacceptable pay offer. 

“It is a profitable company and it can easily afford to put a fairer offer on the table for its hard working drivers. 

“We will fully back our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Siobhan McCready, industrial officer at Unite, said: “Our drivers are on one of the lowest rates of pay across the whole Stagecoach group. It’s unacceptable that the company has refused to tackle low pay.”