Union warns of "complete shutdown" of bus services after strike vote

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Saturday, 2 April 2022 10:31

Q Radio News

A majority of Translink bus drivers have backed strike action in a ballot.

The GMB union says 82% of its members supported the move as a result of a pay dispute.

Unions submitted a pay claim of 6% for bus drivers, cleaners and shunters.

The GMB said: ''Translink management have refused to budge from their offer of 3% - a real terms pay cut – and this has now been rejected for a fourth time by workers''.

Union organiser, Peter Macklin, claims Translink has failed to recognise what workers went through during the pandemic.

Mr Macklin added:

“Our members were proud to carry out their duty in delivering the service, which potentially put themselves and their families lives at risk.

"When we clapped every Thursday night, we said the essential workers would not be forgotten or left behind

“The dispute, which affects bus drivers, cleaners and shunters will close the entire bus network within Northern Ireland. It will be a complete shutdown.”