Stagecoach drivers in Ayrshire and Arran continue strike action

Hundreds of bus drivers across the west of Scotland are continuing their strike action over pay.

The Unite union said Stagecoach had failed to improve on a 4% “strings attached” offer tabled last November.

It said 98% of its members had voted in favour of the industrial action – involving drivers at depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, and Kilmarnock.

Stagecoach has said it wants a “fair and sustainable” pay deal for drivers that preserves the viability of bus services.

The industrial action began last month and is planned to continue with six weeks of continuous action between 9 June and 21 July.

Pickets were expected all day at the company’s Ayr and Kilmarnock bus stations.

Stagecoach said its services would be disrupted due to the industrial action.

It said it planned to operate a “limited service with the drivers available”.

A spokesperson said: “As we go into our third day of industrial action across our Ayrshire depots, we’d like to thank our customers for their continued patience.

“We once again urge Unite the Union and our employees to reconsider their position and avoid further unnecessary disruption for our customers across Ayrshire.

“Further dates of industrial action are scheduled, including today, Friday 6 June followed by continuous action from Monday 9 June through to Monday 21 July. Services in Dumfries & Galloway and Cumbernauld will run as normal.”

It said it would share any updates of the impact on its services via its website.