Bus drivers fight bully-boy managers


Mike Forster, Halifax and Huddersfield Socialist Party

On 30 November, Huddersfield First UK Bus drivers took one-day strike action in protest at management’s decision to tear up a local pay agreement dating back to April.

Originally Unite reached a two-year pay agreement with the company.

However the rise was never paid out as management imposed a unilateral cut to holiday entitlement for certain bus drivers, depending on their length of service.

While the local manager admitted a mistake had been made, the company executives confirmed they had changed the pay agreement and were now imposing new conditions without any consultation or agreement.

Unite the Union balloted members and got a 92% vote for strike action after a 97% turnout.

Despite last minute talks at ACAS with the union offering certain compromise suggestions, the company refused to negotiate.

They then sent a threatening letter to Unite telling the union that it would be fined £500,000 if the strike went ahead.

This was followed with an individual letter to every driver’s home address before the strike, arguing their action was illegal!

Despite these bully boy tactics, the strike was solid with only one driver reporting for work. Pickets were out in force in freezing temperatures.

Further strikes are planned if the company does not relent. Huddersfield was brought to a traffic standstill as most buses were off the road.

Messages and donations to Phil Bown:

Unite, 300 Barrow Road Sheffield S9 1JG, [email protected]