Arriva bus drivers in strike threat over pay

More than 100 drivers employed by Arriva Midlands have voted for industrial action

Bus drivers in Shropshire and Telford are threatening to go on strike next month in a dispute over pay.

More than 100 drivers employed by Arriva Midlands have voted for industrial action, with more expected to cast their vote in the ballot which ends on 17 April, the Unite union said.

The union claimed members of Arriva Midlands were underpaid, earning £13.36 an hour, 11 per cent less than the West Midlands average of £14.93.

Unite said possible strikes would have a "serious impact" on all bus services in the area. Arriva said they would "try their best to find a resolution".

If the ballot results in a strike decision, it could mean industrial action would begin in early May.

Unite said Arriva Midlands drivers have had "years of below-inflation pay rises", which has left them feeling "short-changed".

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is completely unacceptable and it's time they were paid fairly."

The union's regional officer, Stu Davis, claimed possible strike action was over a dispute "entirely of Arriva's own making" and urged the company to propose "a fair offer".

A spokesperson for Arriva Midlands said: "We are aware that Unite plans to ballot its members about industrial action.

"We will continue to work with Unite and try our best to find a resolution."

Arriva Midlands operates bus services in Shropshire, connecting towns like Shrewsbury, Telford, Market Drayton, Newport, and Oswestry.