Bus vannin is pleased to confirm that it expects to operate a comprehensive schedule of services today (Tuesday, 10 March), following the most recent period of industrial action by Unite the Union.
While vehicles and drivers return to their usual depots and duties, there may be some minor disruption early in the day, but normal services are expected to resume swiftly.
bus vannin remains ready and willing to continue positive and constructive negotiations to reach a fair and sustainable resolution to the dispute. The Unite the Union strike is a demand for higher payments for working unsociable hours including the weekends, above and beyond the shift disturbance allowance currently being paid. The Department is open to this suggestion in return for modernised working practices.
Representatives of bus vannin have attended all scheduled negotiations and have not imposed any preconditions on participation. Any suggestion that the Department made offer by telephone is incorrect.
Another offer to settle the dispute was made on Friday, which would give an average of £1,180 per year in addition to the annual pay award. This is equivalent to a 7% increase this year. Modernisation would introduce practices like monthly pay (currently weekly) and shift rostering a month in advance.
The bus service is currently subsidised by taxpayers by approximately £7 million a year. bus vannin does not want to increase bus fares or reduce bus services.
bus vannin remains committed to negotiating a mutually acceptable settlement. Representatives will attend any further talks arranged through MIRS or directly with Unite the Union to bring an end to the dispute.
Unite the Union has announced strike action every week in March, running Friday to Monday. The next planned strike is scheduled from Friday 13 March to Monday 16 March, with full services due to resume on the morning of Tuesday 17 March.
During periods of industrial action, contingency timetables will remain in operation and there will be no school buses. Electric trams will continue to run and free additional parking on Douglas Promenade will stay available. bus vannin will prioritise essential routes, including services between Douglas and Noble’s Hospital and between Douglas and the Island’s main towns.
