Stagecoach workers in Cambridge will strike for five days over the Christmas period
Stagecoach East’s boss has said that the planned strikes will cause “unnecessary disruption across our Cambridge-based communities”. Around 200 Stagecoach workers in Cambridge will be going on strike on December 17, 20, 22, 24, and 27 over a reduction in overtime rates, according to the Unite union.
Those planning to travel by bus on these days have been advised that there will be disruption to services. Workers have rejected a pay deal that would see their overtime rates fall by 12 per cent between Monday and Friday, and by 20 per cent over weekends and bank holidays.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said he is ‘disappointed’ that the pay offer was was rejected. He said: “We are disappointed that our offer of a pay increase has been rejected by drivers and engineers at our Cambridge depot, whilst similar offers have been accepted by our drivers and engineers at both our Fenstanton and Peterborough depots.
“We have met with the trade union representatives and were prepared to offer an increase of 5.7 per cent this year (which is above the rate of inflation) and three per cent in year two, this award was achieved through negotiation, with the increase part-funded through overtime rate reductions.
“We remain committed to ensuring that drivers do receive an affordable pay increase, and we call on Unite the Union to review their pay request and meet with us to reach a resolution to avoid industrial action.
“Not only are Cambridge drivers the highest paid in the region compared to other operators in the area, with average earnings of £45,273, they have been awarded pay rises that were well above inflation in previous years.
“This strike action will cause unnecessary disruption across our Cambridge-based communities, and we urge the trade union members and Unite the Union to reconsider their position.“
He continued: “We will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the planned industrial action, but there will be a reduced bus service across Cambridge on Wednesday 17 December, Saturday 20 December, Monday 22 December, Wednesday 24 December, and Saturday 27 December.
“All other services on the Busway, Peterborough and Bedford regions will continue to operate as normal. All service information will be available on the Stagecoach app.”
