First to offer free strike travel

Talks with Acas were held in Aberdeen over the strike plan

First Bus is offering passengers free travel during a planned strike by staff in Aberdeen on Thursday.

Talks with the conciliation service Acas failed to resolve a staff vote for industrial action over pay.

First said where possible a 30-minute service would run on every route from 0700 BST to 1900 BST and every journey would be free of charge to customers.

The T&G Unite union said running a free bus service showed the money was available to pay for their wage claim.

Bob Dorr, managing director of First in Aberdeen, said: "I would like to apologise to passengers for any disruption they may face on Thursday.

"Our aim has always been to avert industrial action and we are obviously extremely disappointed that the union is pressing ahead with the strike.

"To compensate our passengers for any inconvenience, all journeys will be free on Thursday."

Previous standstill

Aberdeen North Labour MP Frank Doran had earlier contacted First Bus urging a "fair resolution" to avoid a strike and the resulting disruption.

He said: "I do not want bus users in Aberdeen to be inconvenienced because buses have been taken off the road by strikes or other industrial action.

"We should all be working to find agreement between management and unions."

He accused First of waging a "propaganda campaign" against the union over pay claims.

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.