Bus staff in Greater Manchester will be taking further strike action over the next weeks.

From Tuesday 30 September to Thursday 2 October, Bee Network drivers will be walking out as part of an ongoing dispute over pay rises.

These dates are in addition to strike action planned from Friday 19th to Monday 22nd September.

Over 2,000 workers involved in the dispute are employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester and First Bus Rochdale - in all it means around two thirds of Greater Manchester's bus services will be off, many of which are in Stockport and South Manchester.

This also includes school buses.

Bus drivers will walk out across Greater Manchester from 19-22 September, and from 30 September to 2 October (Image - Nub News)

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

Bus workers rejected a pay rise offer of 3.2 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.

"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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