Bus services disrupted as two-day strike begins

More than 300 members of the RMT union have started a 48-hour strike over pay

Bus services across Cornwall have been disrupted as employees begin a 48-hour strike over pay and conditions.

More than 300 members of the RMT union will strike until Wednesday.

First Bus South West apologised to customers and said it would do all it could to operate as many services as possible.

It said the Truro Park & Ride would be the "only registered bus service to operate a full timetable as normal" as well as school services.

Any available staff will be deployed on a "modified" U1/U1A between Falmouth and Newquay, with all other services to operate "pending driver availability", the bus company said.

'Poor pay offer'

RMT boss Mick Lynch accused the company of failing to put forward an acceptable offer to bus workers.

"First South West has shown no interest in trying to genuinely settle this dispute or look after the best interest of their employees," he said.

"Instead, they have tried to divide the workforce and attack hard-fought terms and conditions of bus workers to push through a poor pay offer."

He said the company's offers were only aimed at bus drivers and excluded other workers such as engineers, supervisors and cleaners.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly for strike action and are not interested in pitiful last-minute offers," he said.

'Extremely disappointing'

First Bus South West said the RMT "refused" to put its improved offer to its members and took strike action instead.

It said the industrial action was "completely unnecessary while negotiations are ongoing".

"This is extremely disappointing, as the RMT's unwillingness to work with us not only impacts our colleagues but causes unnecessary disruption to our passengers who rely on the bus for work, education and important appointments," the company said.

"The RMT were invited to continue to engage with us next week instead of striking but they’ve decided to proceed with their planned action."