1 October 2021
RMT Press Office:
RMT confirms strikes on Stagecoach buses for 18th October as part of national campaign for pay justice.
BUS UNION RMT confirmed today that it is serving notice for strike action on Stagecoach buses in the South West, East Midlands and Derbyshire/Yorkshire as part of the national fight for pay justice for bus workers.
The union has reacted with fury to a sustained campaign of abuse and misinformation over the pay campaign pedalled by Stagecoach managers which has already led to members of the public confronting bus staff at the sharp end.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said:
“The massive votes for action by Stagecoach members reflect the growing disgust amongst bus workers at being kicked in the teeth on pay while inflation and wages elsewhere are rising steeply.
“Instead of responding positively to that justified anger from their staff with a fair offer the Stagecoach operation has instead resorted to a gutter campaign of abuse against their own staff designed to provoke a public backlash and that is what is happening right now. It is a disgrace.
“It's well established now that we are facing a national shortage of bus drivers as staff leave over poor pay and conditions. It is ridiculous that Stagecoach have chosen this moment to hammer their staff over pay. The consequences for local services will be horrific.
“RMT is fighting for professional wages for professional bus workers and our members are leading that charge right across the country now.
“We have had no option but to put this action on for the 18th October and the company should stop their attacks on their staff and start talking seriously about a just and fair settlement.”
Ends
Notes for editors
Details of the Stagecoach actions are as follows:
STAGECOACH EAST MIDLANDS
Depots: Mansfield and Worksop
Strike action – 00.01hrs-23.59 hrs Monday 18th Oct.
STAGECOACH YORKSHIRE
Depots: Chesterfield
Strike Action: 00.01hrs-23.59hrs Monday 18th Oct.
STAGECOACH SOUTH WEST (EXETER, BARNSTAPLE AND TORBAY)
Depots: Exeter (and sub depots in and around Exeter), Barnstaple, Matford, Newton Abbot and Torquay (which includes Paignton)
Strike Action: 00.01hrs-23.59hrs Monday 18th Oct.
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Tel: 020 7387 4771
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