Bus workers are taking strike action from today (Friday 19 September) until Monday 22 September.

Drivers and staff from Stagecoach - working on behalf of the Bee Network - are walking out as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.

Workers from Metroline and First Bus will also be taking part, meaning that around two thirds of Greater Manchester's buses will not be running - including many in Stockport.

Unite the Union, which is organising the strikes, said the aforementioned bus companies 'failed' to come up with an improved pay offer.

Bus workers at Stagecoach rejected a pay rise offer of 3.5 percent, arguing that this amounted to a pay cut in real terms given that the current rate of retail price index inflation is 4.8 percent.

And there is a further wave of strikes planned from Tuesday 30 September until 2 October.

"These companies are very profitable but are putting greed over their hardworking members of staff", Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said.

"Further strike action will be extremely disruptive however this is a dispute entirely of the bus companies' making and they could solve it easily by coming back with a better deal. Our members involved in the dispute have Unite's complete support."

TfGM Chief Network Officer Danny Vaughan said: "Bus operators across the country are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff.

"We are encouraging operators and their unions to continue talks, reach agreement and avoid disruption for passengers."

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