Talks over bus strike break down

Drivers plan to strike on two weekends before Christmas

A strike by bus drivers in Aberdeen planned for this weekend looks set to go ahead after talks between management and unions broke down.

Drivers at First Bus have been unhappy at a pay offer made by management, while the company has accused unions of increasing their demands.

Conciliation service ACAS was called in to arbitrate, but talks on Tuesday still ended without agreement.

The weekend strike will hit a high number of Christmas shoppers.

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.

First Bus had hoped to negotiate a deal to avoid unnecessary problems for shoppers in the city.

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.