Union announces bus strike date

The union said it was still willing to negotiate with First

Staff at First Bus in Aberdeen will hold a one-day strike over pay on 16 July, it has been announced.

The planned strike will be followed by a permanent overtime ban and work to rule from 17 July.

First Bus management called on the union to "sit down with us to agree a way forward" after the outcome of the ballot, which was announced on Tuesday.

The T&G Unite union's regional organiser, Tommy Campbell, said it was "more than willing" to negotiate.

Mr Campbell added: "There are no highly paid bus drivers, cleaners or garage maintenance staff."

However, operations director at First in Aberdeen, Duncan Cameron, said: "The union needs to recognise the economic realities facing First in Aberdeen and many other businesses such as negative inflation, rising unemployment and job losses."

About 70% of those who voted backed the strike move.

Similar strike action last year brought buses to a standstill before a deal was agreed.