A SENIOR union rep has defended his actions after bus drivers across the country voted in favour of striking in the run-up to Christmas.

Steve Linger from Unite said members had voted democratically and denied not passing on any pay offers.

Drivers for First Buses in Essex voted in favour of a week-long strike from December 17.

Of those who responded to the ballot in north Essex, 84 per cent were in favour of striking.

That figure was even higher in south Essex, where 95 per cent of respondents supported the motion.

Led by the union Unite, the drivers are calling for a pay rise for this year, claiming their last pay rise was a below inflation increase in 2008.

Their decision has been met with some dissatisfaction by businesses and commuters, who rely on the bus system both to get to work or college and for their customers.

It has also been rumoured some bus drivers are unwilling to strike, claiming they cannot afford to lose the money in the current difficult economic times.

Mr Linger said the knock-on effect to the public was inevitable, but “unfortunate” and defended the action.

He said: “The profits for First Group in Essex have increased by 32 per cent in the last year and they have had five increases in fares. I think we should have a little share of that.

“We are happy to stop this at any time, it is up to First to come up with an offer.”

Mr Linger added there has been no pay offer made for 2009, so he has had nothing to pass on to the members.

Gussy Alamein, spokesman for First East England Buses, said: “We are disappointed by the union’s planned action, which will cause a great deal of unnecessary inconvenience and disruption to our passengers.

“We are not asking our drivers to accept pay cuts or job cuts, simply that they earn the same amount of money this year as last. We remain committed to finding a resolution to this situation.”