Colchester bus driver hits out at union over strike (From Gazette)

Colchester bus driver hits out at union over strike

6:40pm Friday 20th November 2009 in

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A BUS driver who has not taken part in a series of strikes has accused a union of forcing staff to join the walkouts.

The Colchester driver, who asked not to be named, said he couldn’t afford to take strike action as he would not be able to pay his bills or care for his one-year-old son.

A pay dispute between the union, Unite, and First Buses in Essex has resulted in three one-day strikes since October.

The driver said he earned £9.56 an hour, bringing home about £76 a day, and worked between 36 and 43 hours a week.

He has been employed by First Buses in Essex for the past three years.

He told the Gazette: “I understand why they are striking and I have no problem with it, but the union is trying to force it on to those who don’t want to strike. I have a one-year-old son and I can’t afford to strike, but the union still keeps putting on the pressure.

“We have been offered a 2 per cent pay rise, which I accepted.

“Although it is not a great pay rise, it is a pay rise nonetheless.

“The company sent us a letter in May, saying that, unfortunately, we wouldn’t get a pay rise this year because of the recession, but they would look at it again next year, which I think is fair enough. At least it means I have a job.

“Now those of us who have chosen not to go on strike and are keeping the show on the road are getting flak from customers for the cancelled buses and delays. We are getting it from all sides.

“I know there are a few people who have been scared to come into work because they are getting flak from some of the other drivers.”

However, Steve Linger, who represents First Buses in Essex drivers, hit back and said those who had not gone on strike were in the minority.

He claimed about 20 of the 150 bus drivers in Colchester had so far chosen to go to work during the strikes.

He said: “We don’t strike lightly. It is not a game plan and I recognise the hardship the bus drivers go through.

“There will always be one or two people who choose not to strike, but all they are doing is making it more difficult for their colleagues.

“There are 830 bus drivers on strike in Essex, and those in Colchester who have not gone on strike are probably the ones who can afford not to.

“They have been walking past their colleagues three times now.

“They know what they are doing and they will take the benefits that come their way, whether they take part in the strikes or not.”