Jersey bus drivers to strike over shifts and sackings

Kevin Lewis said he was surprised and disappointed by the vote

Jersey bus drivers employed by CT Plus have voted to go on strike.

They were balloted on industrial action following discontent over new shift patterns and the dismissal of drivers.

CT Plus, which runs the island's bus services under the name Liberty Bus, confirmed the result but declined to comment further.

Deputy Kevin Lewis, the transport minister, said he had been told the result but did not yet have details of when the strike action would be.

"Obviously, we're very disappointed because we thought that industrial relations had come on in leaps and bounds," he told BBC Radio Jersey.

He confirmed his department would be speaking to Liberty Bus in an attempt to ensure continued services.

BBC Jersey was unable to contact Unite union representatives to find out when the strike may happen.

A 24-hour strike was held on 30 December by bus drivers working for previous operator Connex.

CT Plus took over the island's service on 2 January.

The company also took over Guernsey's bus services last year. Drivers there staged a one-day strike on 10 June over concerns about new shift patterns.

Further strikes were averted after the company agreed to make changes.