First South West bus workers to go on strike in Cornwall and Somerset

Hundreds of bus workers in Somerset and Cornwall will go on strike on Tuesday in a dispute with employer First over pay and working conditions. More than 300 members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) are taking part in the 48-hour industrial action, with picket lines in Penzance, Taunton and Camborne.

Bus services from Somerset, Cornwall by Kernow and Adventures by Bus will all be affected. First Bus South West said it would “do everything it can” to operate as many services as possible.

The strike follows failed negotiations between RMT and First South West – a subsidiary of FirstGroup. The union claims the bus operator has “failed” to present an “acceptable” pay offer to workers in light of the group’s recent profit announcement.

“The offers failed to meet the aspirations of members, targeted only bus drivers and excluded other classes such as engineers, supervisors, office staff and cleaners,” the union said in a statement.

First South West has apologized to customers for the disruption the strike will cause in Cornwall and Somerset.

A spokesman for First South West said: “Unfortunately, despite making an improved offer, the RMT has refused to make that offer to their members and has instead confirmed they will take strike action – which it is completely useless while negotiations are ongoing.

“This is extremely disappointing as the RMT’s refusal to work with us not only affects our colleagues but causes unnecessary disruption to our passengers who rely on the bus for work, education and important meetings. The RMT have been invited to continue to engage with us next week instead of striking, but have decided to go ahead with the planned action.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said members had voted “overwhelmingly” for a strike and were not interested in “last minute offers”.

“First South West has shown no interest in trying to really resolve this dispute or look out for the best interests of their employees,” he said. “Instead, they tried to divide the workforce and attack bus workers’ hard-fought terms and conditions to promote a poor pay offer.”

He added: “The strike will continue and our members are ready to maintain their industrial campaign until they can win a decent pay rise.”

Information on the first South West service for Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th July

Somerset

• All current school services (where there are schools) will be covered on priority.
• First South West plans or any available staff to be deployed on 21, 22, 25, 28, 54, 58/58A, CR4 and Exmoor Coaster.
• Services are not guaranteed and the above is based on estimated driver availability.

Cornwall

• First, Truro Park & ​​Ride (PR1/PR1A) is expected to be the only registered bus services operating a full timetable as normal. However, no service is guaranteed and customers should check for the latest updates prior to travel as services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
• All current school services (where the schools are) should continue to operate, including the AM/PM service on the U4. However, no service is guaranteed and parents and carers should check for the latest updates before travelling, as school services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
• Early plans for available staff to be deployed on a modified U1/U1A service between Falmouth and Newquay, focusing on early morning and later services for hospital staff. However, no service is guaranteed and customers should check for the latest updates prior to travel as services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
• A Sunday service will operate on routes 24, 29 and Atlantic Coaster.
• All other services may operate subject to driver availability, prioritizing T1/2 service if possible.

First he said all services are subject to change and passengers should check before travelling.