Further strike action announced for South Yorkshire

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director for Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We remain 100% committed to reaching an agreement, as has been achieved for thousands of other Stagecoach employees covering the majority of our depots across the UK.

“We have been flexible throughout our discussions with Unite, and have significantly improved the proposed pay rate with several different above inflation offers, including multi-year proposals to give additional security to our people. In contrast, it is extremely disappointing that the union has refused to move an inch in its position and counter to the spirit of achieving a jointly-brokered solution, has chosen to announce further strike action that will cause major disruption for our customers as we head into the new year. 

“Strike action is unnecessary and benefits no-one. It damages the lives of local people who depend on buses to get to work and access public services. It impacts local businesses struggling to recover from the pandemic, especially at this critical time of year.

"We want to work together with the union to reach a solution. But any aspirations need to reflect the fact that passenger numbers on the country's bus networks remain significantly below pre-Covid levels.”