Bus passengers warned of potential strike action

First Bus services in Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Wells could be disrupted

Bus passengers are being warned over potential disruption as drivers ballot to take strike action.

More than 1,000 drivers working for First West of England could take action after rejecting an "unsatisfactory" pay offer.

If the members of Unite Union, which has urged the company to come back with an improved offer, vote to strike then services in Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Wells could be affected.

First Bus West of England's managing director Doug Claringbold said: "Our above-inflation pay offer reflects the value we put on colleagues and demonstrates our commitment to protecting staff from the rising cost of living - even in the challenging financial environment we operate in."

He added that the operator remains open to having "constructive discussions" with drivers to reach a "fair resolution".

The dispute comes after members rejected a two-year pay deal which the union has said would give them an extra £1 of pay per hour from now until March 2026.

After that, drivers will be given a 30p hourly increase from April 2026.

New starters will be offered 50p extra on the hourly rate, which goes up by 10p in April 2026.

The company is part of First Group PLC. Last year, the group recorded an operating profit of £204.3m and share dividends were increased by 45%, compared to the previous year.

'Fair pay' call

Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said: "We appreciate local residents may be concerned to hear of potential strike action, but First West of England has failed to put forward a meaningful pay offer to our members.

"Drivers at First West of England do a vital job for the general public and deserve to be paid fairly.

"We urge First West of England to come back to the table with a better offer to avoid any disruption."