Doncaster bus strike: Support cat Bogbrush brings smiles to drivers

A journalist took his support cat named Bogbrush to bring a smile to striking bus drivers in Doncaster.

Julz Franz, who is from Crowle, joined the picket line at First’s Leger Way bus depot where drivers have staged a number of one-day walk outs since March 28.

A strike called for May 1 has been suspended while talks take place between union Unite, operator First and arbitration service ACAS.

However, drivers have lined up another walkout for May 6 depending on the outcome of the talks.

Julz, a member of Unite and the National Union of Journalists, said: “The atmosphere on the picket was friendly and welcoming, with a clear sense of solidarity among those present.

“Drivers passing by sounded their horns in support, and despite the disruption to services, those I spoke to said they had received a good level of backing from the public.

“In conversations, drivers emphasised that the dispute is not simply about pay, but about fairness and parity with colleagues in other areas.

“I have a long-term health condition and attended with my support animal, a cat called Bogbrush, who attracted a great deal of interest and provided an easy way for people to start conversations.

“It was striking how quickly this led to wider discussions, not just about the strike, but about shared experiences and community.

“From my perspective, the morning highlighted not only the strength of feeling around the dispute, but also the sense of connection and support among those involved.”

More than 200 Doncaster drivers are calling for parity with drivers in Sheffield, who are paid more just 20 miles down the road for doing the same job.

The strike began on March 28 and has seen a number of walk-outs which have disrupted services across Doncaster.