Doncaster bus strike: Drivers step up action with two new walk-outs
Striking Doncaster bus drivers are stepping up their industrial action, with two fresh walk-outs called as a row over pay escalates.
More disruption to services is expected as First South Yorkshire workers take action over pay, with new strikes called for April 14 and 17.
The drivers, members of Unite, have turned down a pay offer from their employer as this does not give them pay parity with those doing the same job at First in Sheffield, just over 20 miles away.
Further strike action will now take place alongside the already-announced dates of 22 and 24 April.
Previous industrial action on 28 and 30 March and yesterday (7 April) caused major disruption to bus services in and out of Doncaster city centre and the surrounding areas, with many cancelled or running a limited service.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "First Bus can fully afford to give these drivers, who do their same job as their counterparts down the road, the same wages but is choosing to prioritise greed.
"Our members at First South Yorkshire continue to have Unite's full support."
Unite regional officer Christian Ratcliffe said: "Escalating strike action will be very disruptive, but it is entirely the fault of First Bus for creating a two-tier pay system.
“Drivers at First South Yorkshire feel they have no choice but to continue to take action to make their voices. First Bus must reconsider its actions to avoid further industrial action.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire, said: “We are doing all we can with the resources we have to put buses on the road where possible and keep customers moving during industrial action, and importantly those who rely on us to make essential trips.
“Our latest pay offer includes an immediate seven per cent pay increase, more than double the current inflation rate, backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027."
She added: “Because pay negotiations are conducted at different times across our depots, Doncaster and Sheffield drivers have different pay anniversary dates, so their rates are not always aligned, which is a normal part of the pay negotiation cycle across separate locations."