Stagecoach Manchester regrets to inform customers that bus drivers will be taking industrial action on 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th August 2023.
During these dates, Stagecoach will be operating the following limited services only between 07:00 hours and 19:00 hours.
- Service 43 – every 15 minutes
- Service 192 – every 15 minutes (Hazel Grove to Manchester) and every 15 minutes (Stepping Hill Hospital to Manchester)
- Service 201 – every 15 minutes
- Service 203 – every 15 minutes
- Service 219 – every 15 minutes
Services operating out of Stagecoach Manchester’s Middleton and Wigan Depots are unaffected by this action and the following services will operate as normal:
Middleton services
- 56, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 149, 171, 172, 350, 426
- The following services will also run on Sunday 129, 343, 415
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 34, 34A
Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, said:
“We’re extremely sorry that we will be running a reduced service in parts of Greater Manchester because of the industrial action being taken by Unite the Union. I would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding, and I want to reassure them that we remain committed to working with Unite the Union to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible.
“We have been negotiating intensively with Unite to reach a fair pay deal that recognises the commitment and professionalism of our workforce, whilst ensuring that pay rises are affordable. We have made a significantly improved, above inflation, offer of a 14.3% pay increase plus a one-off payment of £750. Unlike other public sector workers, our drivers have received above inflation pay increases over recent years, including during the pandemic, and so it was very disappointing that this latest offer was rejected.
“We know that Manchester depends on our services to keep the city moving, with over two million passenger journeys a week. Industrial action disrupts the lives of local people who depend on our buses to get to work and access public services, and impacts local businesses. As we look to reverse a 15% reduction in the number of people travelling by bus since the pandemic and drive improvements to bus services in the region, the focus of everyone should be on protecting the long-term sustainability of services.
“We remain open to negotiate further with Unite the Union to find a pay settlement that works for our staff, our business and most importantly, our customers.”
Stagecoach Manchester customers are advised to stay updated on the latest service information by visiting stagecoachbus.com or by following them on Twitter @StagecoachGM
