Bus strikes set to cause travel chaos in Salford are underway after eleventh-hour talks over a new pay deal collapsed last night.
Services in Walkden, Swinton, Eccles, Pendleton and Ordsall are among 130 buses impacted across Greater Manchester, with Metroline staff set to strike from Tuesday, September 30, until Thursday, October 2, in an ongoing row over pay.
The 38, 50, 51 and 248 buses will not operate during this period as a result of the industrial action, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have confirmed.
Unite the Union confirmed on Sunday night that drivers at First and Stagecoach will suspend their action to ballot on revised pay offers. It had been hoped that Metroline staff would agree to the same conditions, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, “encouraging” staff at Metroline to “avert any strike action” from taking place this week.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “It’s disappointing that Metroline staff are continuing with industrial action this week. That’s despite the fact that a revised and improved offer was made by the operator.
“Anyone travelling over the next few days is encouraged to check before travelling, allow extra time for their journey and plan an alternative if your service is affected.”
Last weekend, 2,000 drivers took action across Greater Manchester from Friday, September 19 until Monday, September 22, impacting two-thirds of services across the region.
Further strikes were scheduled on Friday, September 26, with services on October 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24 set to be affected. This action may now be set to take place, if pay negotiations are not concluded.
Latest updates and service information will be available on the Bee Network’s website and social media pages.
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