Iain Dalton, Yorkshire Socialist Party
After a month of the management of Arriva buses demanding in the press that Unite members be balloted on a pay offer, trying to portray the union as undemocratic and out of touch with members, their full and final offer was rejected by the majority of the workforce across the five depots in Yorkshire.
Arriva’s new line became how disgraceful it was that Unite reinstated the suspended action and demanded that ACAS be brought in to mediate. You would expect that position from the bosses – but Labour West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin put out a press statement with the same demands!
When the strike resumed, picket lines were once again solid at the Wakefield and Selby depots, where Socialist Party members visited to offer our solidarity. After just two days, the strike was suspended once more for further talks, with Unite announcing it would give 14 days notice of further action.
On the picket line, some drivers were questioning whether they should have suspended action for the ballot, as there is a danger the stop-start nature of the strike could alienate passengers due to the uncertainty.
- As we go to print, there has been an announcement by Arriva that a new offer has been made that will go to ballot this week.
