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Bus strike alert - HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU?

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Published Date: 09 July 2009
BUS passengers in South Yorkshire are being urged to make alternative travel arrangements when First drivers go on strike tomorrow.
A few routes will still be operating, but the majority of services have been cancelled because of a row over pay.

Unite, the union which represents drivers, has asked First bosses for a 10 per cent increase in hourly pay – but the company says it cannot afford any pay rise at all.

The 24-hour strike begins at midnight tonight and ends at midnight tomorrow.

We want to know how tomorrow's bus strike will hit you? Are you arranging other ways to get to work, being forced to take the day off or cancelling other plans? Let us know by adding a comment below.

The Free Bee bus service, and services run by other bus operators such as Stagecoach, TM Travel, Powells, Mass BrightBus and community transport services, are unaffected.

Stagecoach Supertram and all local rail services will also operate as normal.

A handful of First services will still be running.

They include the 638 Scawthorpe to Parrots Corner service via Doncaster, which will run as normal visiting both park-and-ride sites.

The 272 from Sheffield to Castleton will be running at 7.50am, 9am, 2.45pm and 4pm.

The 51A from Castleton to Sheffield will run its 7.31am service and the 51A Olive Grove to Castleton service leaving at 3.24pm will also be operating as usual.

First management and union representatives have held talks with industrial mediation service ACAS but failed to reach a compromise.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive said today it was disappointed with the proposed strike action and called on First and union representatives to hold further talks to try to resolve the situation.

David Brown, SYPTE director general, said: "If the planned action goes ahead it will mean people will face major difficulties getting to work and going about their business.

"Everyone loses out when industrial action like this takes place and so we would urge both sides in the dispute to make strenuous efforts to try to come to an agreement and avoid what would a very damaging strike."

The public are advised to keep checking online at www.travelsouthyorkshire.com for updates and call Traveline on 01709 51 51 51 for information about alternative routes and services.

Got a view? Add your comment below.

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Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 09 July 2009 8:03 AM
  • Source: Sheffield Star
  • Location: Sheffield
 
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1

flockyowl,

09/07/2009 08:26:41
Yup i got a view ...Share out some of your profits to the workers who bring in the cash..you geedy sods.
2

stace09,

sheffield 09/07/2009 08:44:53
why cant the workers just be thankful that they have a job in this climate?

i work for a univeristy and should get pay increments each year, we might not get one this time round and we have the threat of redundancy. im just happy i have a job....at the moment!!!!!!
3

Somniumvisum,

09/07/2009 08:46:41
I agree with the above...

However, the way things are at the moment in England, anyone who is asking for a pay rise must be having a laugh!!

How many bus rivers are there?
How many unemployed people are desperately trying to find a job?
Simple maths, be greatful you have a job, I'm sure the people who have recently lost theirs and are struggling to pay mortgages and such would appreciate the job more
4

Somniumvisum,

09/07/2009 08:47:22
*bus drivers (it was supposed to read), buses don't go well in rivers
5

Fedupbuspassenger,

Sheffield 09/07/2009 08:49:12
The strike is not my worry, I am lucky that I can make alternative arrangements.

My concern is that YET AGAIN the residents of Kiveton Park, Swallownest & Wales Bar are being penalised with the bus services that we receive.

The timetables are being changed the weekend of 18th July and NO timetables are available.

From the information I have managed to see - it looks like that we are going from several buses an hour (operated by First)to ONE Bus an hour.

At the present time, I am not even sure if this will be operated by First, Stagecoach or Veolia !!

THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!

I currently have to buy a First South Yorkshire Pass (at £66 per month when bought online) but it is looking likely that I will have to buy a monthly pass that I can use on any service which will cost me approximately £85 per month.

I would be grateful if someone could tell me what is happening with the bus services in Kiveton Park, Swallownest & Wales Bar because I am completely confused!
6

rainylady,

sheffield 09/07/2009 08:49:35
Bus drivers have an easy job yes they should be grateful they have a job, I have three friends who have lost their jobs and would be glad of anything.

Great traffic will flow better and it should be easier to travel around Sheffield tomorrow without buses on the road!
7

Mjb66,

09/07/2009 08:50:42
I dont understand why the rate of pay is £9.13 in sheffield but £10 in leeds and its the same company.

Is there different budgets for each town.

Perhaps someone can explain.
8

all seeing eye,

On the buses 09/07/2009 08:54:22
Pay up you are making huge profits.
9

driver1967,

Rotherham 09/07/2009 09:50:40
Bus driving is an easy job!

Ok, go do it, good luck! Bet you wouldn´t last ONE DAY!
Bet you will be surprised! Bet your mini is easy to drive but try 12 metres of vehicle carrying up to 80 passengers!

Get a grip you selfish person!
10

Barry Pseudonym,

09/07/2009 10:19:11
I agree with most of the above (apart from bus driving being easy, and the roads being clear tomorrow - they won't be).

If First are making such big profits (are they?) then yes, some of them should be filtered down to all staff - including drivers - in the form of a pay rise.

However, most people in all sectors are lucky to hang onto their jobs at the minute, nevermind get a rise or a bonus. As such, I think the drivers/union have completely misjudged the climate and whether they'd get public support on this one. Or, to put it another way, "suck it up, and be glad to go to work like the rest of us."

Also, First have dropped one by announcing service 'reviews' (i.e. cuts) at a time when they're effectively providing a poor service anyway.

Well played all round. I'll be driving to work in future.
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