Acas talks over bus strike plan

First Bus staff are due to go on strike on 16 July

Talks with the conciliation service Acas are to be held in a bid to avert a bus strike in Aberdeen.

Staff at First Bus voted for industrial action, with a one-day strike planned for 16 July followed by a permanent overtime ban and work to rule.

Talks with Acas are now to be held on 14 July.

The T&G Unite union's regional organiser, Tommy Campbell, said: "We hope that these talks bring about a resolution to this dispute."

He added: "The union is glad that both sides to this dispute are to meet with Acas next week.

"We always prefer to negotiate when there is a dispute rather than reverting to industrial action."

'No new money'

First Bus management had 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.

Managing Director Bob Dorr said: "We are holding preliminary talks with the union. Further talks are scheduled on Tuesday.

"We will be making every effort to reach a satisfactory conclusion and prevent any strike action.

"However, the union must recognise that there is no new money on the table."

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.