Strike ballot at First South West after poor pay offer

The company has made an offer which would see bus workers hourly pay rise by just 58p an hour.

The offer includes no improvements to working conditions and has already been rejected by union members in a previous round of talks.

RMT wants to see bus workers move closer to their modest goal of £15 an hour, in line with what other bus companies are paying across the South West.

But First South West has so far refused to improve its offer.

First South West is part of FirstGroup, whose bus division made £96 million in profit last year, with the group overall reporting profits of £223 million and increasing dividends to shareholders.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Bus workers at First South West are being left behind while other operators across the region pay more.

“It is disgraceful that our members are expected to do the same job for less money, and their patience has run out.

“First South West can easily afford to pay a decent wage, but their refusal so far could lead to strike action if progress is not made.”

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