Unite confirms suspension of First Cymru bus strike after improved pay offer
The union Unite confirmed late on Wednesday that its members will now be balloted on the latest offer, with voting set to close on 28 November. If the deal is rejected, strike action will begin on Sunday 7 December and continue throughout December until 21 January, as previously announced.
Ballot now the focus
Unite regional officer Alan McCarthy 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 suspension marks a significant development in a dispute that had threatened to cause widespread disruption to bus services across South and West Wales in the run‑up to Christmas.
First Cymru response
In a statement, First Cymru said:
“Industrial action that was due to begin on 20 November across Wales has been suspended until 7 December while Unite the Union ballots its members on a revised pay offer.
“We’re genuinely grateful to both Unite and ACAS for the constructive conversations that helped us reach this point. First Bus services across south and west Wales will continue to run as normal during this period, which we know matters to everyone who relies on us for work, school and other daily commitments.
“Thanks for your patience and understanding throughout this process. We’ll continue to keep you updated as things develop.”
Pay and back‑pay at the heart of the dispute
Drivers had been preparing for continuous strike action in protest at low hourly pay rates and claims that First Cymru was attempting to withhold back‑pay.
Unite has argued that drivers’ current rate of £13.40 per hour lags behind competitors such as Stagecoach, which pays £14.44 per hour, and has demanded a minimum of £14.30 per hour plus back‑pay.
The company previously warned that prolonged strike action would cause “hugely disruptive” impacts for passengers, while insisting it had made an above‑inflation pay offer alongside investment in staff facilities and benefits.
What happens next
The outcome of the ballot will determine whether the improved offer is accepted or whether strike action resumes in December.
For now, bus services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Haverfordwest are expected to run as normal until the ballot closes.
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