The GMB trade union has rejected bus operator Unilink’s latest pay offer – and has now said members could take industrial action.
GMB is preparing to ballot their members over a dispute about pay. Unilink has offered a 5.28 per cent rise, which would raise drivers’ pay to an hour;y rate of £14.74.
A spokesperson for GMB union said: “There’s still time to sort this out if Unilink want to, as any strike action wouldn’t
But Unilink bosses have said they think the offer is fair.
Unilink managing director Andrew Wickham said: “I am disappointed that members of the GMB trade union have rejected our offer. We feel it is fair and reflects the high regard we have for Unilink employees.
“Representatives from Unilink will once again meet with the trade union in a bid to come to an agreement on pay.”
The ballot opened on Friday, with any potential action then set to take place in the run-up to Christmas.
Nicola Nixon, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “GMB members are in rejecting this offer sending a clear message to Unilinks Operations director David Lee-Kong: the company’s offer does not meet a real valuation of the contribution they bring as employees to the business.
“£14.74 an hour for not only driving the bus but being responsible for the safety of 70 or more passengers is an extremely stressful job, all whilst maintaining a challenging service schedule and trying to negotiate Southampton’s ever-busy city streets.
“Our members simply want a rate that reflects that and the last thing they want is to have to take action, but they are appalled that their employer has not been more realistic in pay talks.
“There’s still time to sort this out if Unilink want to, as any strike action wouldn’t be taking place for a few weeks – it is though firmly in (their) hands.
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