Major 'hugely disruptive' escalation in strike action by First Cymru drivers | Wales Online

Bus services across South Wales are bracing for serious disruption as hundreds of First Cymru drivers plan to embark on a two-month continuous strike starting November 20 and lasting until January 21. This move marks a major escalation in the ongoing pay dispute between the drivers and the company. Unite union, representing the workers, says the drivers are furious about their low wages and the company's refusal to pay backdated wages owed since their last pay agreement anniversary. They argue that First Cymru drivers earn some of the lowest wages in the UK bus industry, and the company has been unwilling to negotiate fairly. First Cymru has responded by warning that the strikes will cause huge disruption and insists it has been committed to improving driver pay. The firm points to its above-inflation pay offer, investments in staff facilities, conditions, and benefits like healthcare schemes. Despite this, drivers say they had no choice but to take prolonged strike action due to what they describe as the company’s refusal to negotiate reasonably. Workers are also upset over withheld back pay and a controversial £50 incentive allegedly offered by the company to encourage some staff to cross picket lines. According to Unite, First Cymru drivers currently earn around £13.40 per hour, which is significantly lower than rival operators in the region. For comparison, Cardiff Bus and Arriva North Wales drivers make roughly £15 an hour, Stagecoach South Wales drivers earn £14.44, and Newport Transport pays £14.50. Unite also highlights that First Cymru is the only major operator still using a "new starter rate," meaning drivers must work a full year before qualifying for the standard pay rate. With the Real Living Wage expected to rise to £13.45 in 2026, the union warns the company risks falling below this minimum standard. The dispute affects workers at depots across Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, and Ammanford. This comes during a period when First Group, the parent company of First Cymru, posted over £200 million in profit last year, with its CEO earning more than £3 million. Unite’s regional officer Alan McCarthy emphasized the skilled nature of bus driving and condemned how drivers are being treated as second-class citizens struggling to make ends meet. He vowed full union support for the striking workers, warning that local communities will feel the impact of First’s actions. Doug Claringbold, managing director for First Bus Cymru, expressed frustration at the planned two-month strike, especially during the busy festive period when many rely on buses for shopping and socializing. He called the strike unnecessary and urged the union to reconsider. Claringbold emphasized the company’s willingness to engage in dialogue and pointed to the above-inflation pay offer and improvements in staff conditions and benefits. He acknowledged the disruption caused by the strikes and advised customers to check revised timetables on the company’s website, promising to keep as many services running as possible. This dispute highlights the tension between a major transport operator and its workforce amid rising living costs and inflation concerns. As talks continue, the extended strike threatens significant interruption to public transport in South Wales, impacting both workers and the communities they serve. The situation remains fluid, with hopes for a resolution hinging on negotiations in the weeks ahead.