Bus staff vote for strike action

Hundreds of Stagecoach staff were balloted on action

Bus services in the Highlands and the north east of Scotland are set to be hit by strike action.

Stagecoach Bluebird staff will begin a series of five one-day strikes on Thursday 30 October, after the ballot by the T&G section of the Unite union.

About 500 drivers, mechanics, cleaners and office staff are expected to be involved. They had previously rejected a pay deal.

Management said they had improved the offer four times.

Members are based at bus depots in Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Banchory, Ballater, Insch, Alford, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Elgin, Macduff, Inverness and Tain.

'Damaging consequences'

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "The fact is that less than 40% of our employees have voted for strike action. The majority understand that we have put together the best possible package we can for our employees within the constraints of the current tough economic climate.

"We would urge the union to think very carefully about the damaging consequences of strike action. If the union is realistic and shows good faith, there is no reason why there cannot be a negotiated settlement that is in everyone's best interests."

The union said it was prepared to meet management to try to resolve the dispute.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said the local authority was awaiting full details of the proposed strike action but that it was likely some parents would have to make alternative arrangements for getting children to and from school.

"As soon as Stagecoach advises us which routes will be affected, we will be in touch with parents," he added.

Stagecoach operates a range of bus services and is a major provider of school transport.