BUS passengers in Thornbury and Yate are being advised that their services will run as normal this week, despite severe disruption elsewhere in the region as drivers based in Bristol go on strike.
Union Unite says 600 bus drivers at First West of England’s Cityline, operating out of Lawrence Hill and Hengrove Bus depots, will be on strike from Tuesday to Friday, September 16 to 19.
Earlier planned strike action by more than 1,000 City Line and Badgerline drivers from September 4 to 8 was suspended after First made a new pay offer.
But while the 400 Badgerline drivers voted to accept what First described as a “full and final” offer, Cityline drivers rejected it, which means the later planned series of strikes will go ahead on most Bristol routes.
First says the full metrobus network will operate, as well as services between Thornbury and Bristol, and Yate and Bristol.
All other routes will see reduced service levels, typically an hourly service 7am-7pm.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “First Group is a very profitable company and can afford to come back with an improved offer that is acceptable to our bus drivers.
“Unite will fully support our members throughout their strike action, which has been caused by the employer putting profits over people.”
First Bus West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said: “We are pleased to hear that our Badgerline colleagues have voted to accept our full and final pay offer, which has resulted in them calling off their planned strikes and helped reduce disruption to customers.
“However, we are disappointed to be told that our Citylines colleagues have rejected the pay offer, and therefore their planned strikes for four days from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th September inclusive will go ahead.
“We have put together revised timetables to reflect the much lower level of service that we will be able to operate on these days.
“We advise customers to check for updates before travelling.
“While this was our full and final pay offer, we still hope to find a solution with the trade union which encourages them to call off these disruptive strikes.”
More details of services during the strike days can be found here.
Picture: Buses on First’s Bristol routes will face disruption.