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Talks between union officials and transport managers to avoid a bus drivers’ strike over pay have failed.

Stagecoach drivers represented by Unite the Union and based out of Cwmbran, Blackwood and Brynmawr depots want a “no strings” pay rise to £10.50 an hour.

Stagecoach South Wales has offered the drivers the increase, but without paid breaks and a reduction in sick pay agreements.

Union members last month voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in a bid to break the deadlock.

Drivers at Blackwood are currently paid £9.50 an hour, while drivers at Brynmawr are paid £9.25.

There had been hope that a strike could be avoided with resolution talks being held this week through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

However, after two rounds of talks, the drivers will be striking.

Unite Regional Officer, Alan McCarthy said: “Unite representatives entered into talks with ACAS with optimism that there would be movement from Stagecoach. Instead, the message was ‘We think you deserve it, but we don’t want to shoulder the cost’.

“That’s a bitter pill to swallow, as [Welsh] Government funding under the Bus Emergency Scheme has been covering operating costs for some time now, and continues until July 2022. Stagecoach have been benefitting from public funding, but will not pay a decent wage to workers who have delivered their services throughout the pandemic.

“The public and political support for our members has been amazing so far, with many drivers receiving encouragement from passengers.

“Local councillors, MSs and MPs have also offered their support, acknowledging that £10.50 per hour is a very reasonable request for the essential work our members carry out. We hope that this support continues as Industrial Action commences, as Stagecoach will undoubtedly try and blame their workers for any disruption.”

Political backing

The drivers have received the backing and support from local politicians.

Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Philippa Marsden said: “Bus drivers deserve a decent pay rise. We have to remember that bus drivers are essential workers. They have been pivotal in getting the public from A to B during the height of the pandemic, often putting themselves at risk in terms of exposure to coronavirus and its impact on their own health.”

Islwyn MP Chris Evans has also backed union members.

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Confirmed strike dates for Stagecoach bus drivers in Blackwood

Tuesday, October 19, to Saturday, October 23.

Monday October 25.

Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30.

Monday, November 1, to Saturday, November 6.

Monday, November 8 and Tuesday, November 9.

Services that operate out of Stagecoach’s Blackwood depot are most likely to be affected on strike days, although Caerphilly Observer understands the company will operate them out of the Caerphilly depot.

These include services such as the 50 Bargoed to Caerphilly and the 27 Bargoed to Blackwood.

Stagecoach has already agreed pay deals for drivers based at its depots in Caerphilly and Merthyr
Tydfil and engineers at Cwmbran and Blackwood. The increases, it claims, have averaged between five and six percent.

The company said passenger levels are “significantly down” compared to before the pandemic and that fares did not cover the day-to-day costs of running services, with Welsh Government support keeping buses on the road.

A Stagecoach South Wales spokesperson said its drivers “deserve a good pay rise” and “no stone was left unturned”.

In a statement the company said: “Our priority has been to try to reach an agreement that delivers a sustainable pay rise for our people right now, recognising their commitment throughout the pandemic. It also ensures the long-term sustainability of the bus network for local communities in what is a very challenging time.

“We would urge Unite to commit to constructive talks. Strike action will only disrupt bus services that local people depend on to get to work, access education and health, and keep in touch with their families. It will also hit the pockets of our employees and their families.”