Bosses hope to avoid bus strike

Drivers plan to strike on two weekends before Christmas

Management at First Bus in Aberdeen remain hopeful that a damaging drivers' strike can be avoided.

The drivers have been offered a 5% increase in pay, but also want the rise to be reflected in their pensions.

In a ballot, organised by the T&G union, 96% voted to walk out for two weekends, starting on 3 December.

The company said the strike was deliberately targeted to disrupt Christmas shopping and damage the reputation of First Bus.

The T&G union denied that claim and said it was willing to listen if the company made another offer before the strike date.

George Mair, managing director of Aberdeen operations for First Bus, said it was aiming to negotiate a deal to avoid unnecessary problems for shoppers in the city.

Resolve the situation

Mr Mair said: "Clearly it is disappointing, as we felt that we had all but met their wage demand, as we were offering a 4% rise plus a bonus equating to 1%.

"It is also disappointing that they appear to be happy to take action against the people who pay their wages.

"Our intention over the next week will be to resolve the situation."

In October, First Bus drivers in central and east Scotland accepted an improved pay deal.

Up to 800 drivers had staged a series of one and two-day walkouts over pay.