First Cymru two-month bus driver strike suspended

Bus drivers working in south and west Wales have suspended plans for a continuous two-month strike while members vote on a new pay offer.

The action by First Cymru drivers had been planned because of anger over low pay and because the company was attempting to withhold back-pay, said the union Unite.

It previously said First Cymru drivers currently earned £13.40 an hour, compared to with £15 an hour at Cardiff Bus and £14.50 at Newport Transport.

First Cymru said it was “genuinely grateful” for the “constructive conversations” and said its bus services “will continue to run as normal” while the union makes its decision.

Alan McCarthy, Unite regional officer said: “Following the announcement of a winter of strike action, First Cymru has finally come forward with an improved pay offer.

“As an act of goodwill, Unite has agreed to suspend strike action while a ballot of our members takes place.”

The strike action would have affected services from depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford.

The ballot will open on the 24 November and will close on 28 November.

In the event of a rejection, strike action will commence on 7 December and continue as previously announced throughout December until 21 January, the union said.