Bus strike goes ahead on Monday!

The Unite union which represents First Cymru drivers and engineers has informed the company that its members will stage a 24 hour walk out on Monday 1 October (from 0400 hours).

The walk out will affect all First Cymru bus depots in South and West Wales.

Simon Cursio, General Manager, First Cymru said:

“We are incredibly disappointed that despite efforts and talks to resolve the current dispute with the Union representing drivers and engineers, the planned walk out of driving and engineering staff on Monday 1 October is still going ahead.

“The drivers and engineers are striking over pay, despite very good offers having been tabled by the company. The action that the Union is taking will cause undue disruption to hardworking people in South and West Wales, who rely on our services to get to work, education and leisure destinations.

“In the current economic climate this action is very disappointing and is likely to lead to a lot of our customers being unable to get to work or school unless they can find alternative methods of transport. With many people out of work and others facing pay freezes and tougher times, we are shocked and saddened that our drivers and engineers would turn down a pay offer which had the full support and recommendation of their union officials and which addressed the key concerns union members had with the original pay offer. We are especially disappointed considering that our drivers and engineers already enjoy a generous pay and benefits package.

“We would like to offer our sincere apologies to our customers who will be inconvenienced by the action taking place. On Monday we will prioritise contracted school services and those journeys we operate on a tendered basis on behalf of the local authorities.”

Gareth Jones, from Unite, said: “Our members rejected our recommendation to accept the offer and unfortunately the strike will go ahead on Monday.”

He added that while the strike will take place, the union was still willing to hold further talks with First to find a resolution and avert further possible action.

A list of the Llanelli college and school services which will run is below:

• Llanelli: M1 – Pwll – Brynymor.
• L15 John Lloyd School – Kidwelly.
• X11 service ex Swansea 0715 journey through to Llanelli.
• X12 ex Llanelli 0800 to Carmarthen.
• X12 service ex Carmarthen 0900 to Pibwrlywd College.
• X12 1630 from Carmarthen to Llanelli.
• X11 1730 from Llanelli to Swansea.
• Kidwelly to Graig Campus am & pm journeys – operated by Gwynne Price
• Cross Hands to Graig Campus am & pm operated by Williams.

Please check the First Cymru website for any updates.