Drivers among 800 Arriva staff to strike over pay

Bus drivers and engineers are among more than 800 people due to go on strike for 16 days over pay.

Members of the Unite union from Arriva depots in Luton, Milton Keynes, Stevenage, Ware and Hemel Hempstead will be taking part in the industrial action.

The strikes will take place between 23 September and 26 September, 1 October and 4 October, 9 October and 12 October, and 14 October and 17 October.

An Arriva spokesperson said: "We are disappointed by this news and remain committed to finding a resolution."

About 50 routes a day operate out of Milton Keynes and Luton and there are about 30 routes a day out of Hemel Hempstead, Ware and Stevenage.

Arriva the Shires and Arriva Kent Thameside services are both due to be affected.

The action is being taken after the company offered a pay rise of 65p per hour.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: "Our members do a stressful and skilled job yet their employer thinks they can be short-changed with this insulting pay offer.

"Our message to Arriva is stark – make a pay offer that our members can accept or face the chaos of strikes across your network this autumn."