Bus passengers across South and West Wales are being warned to expect major disruption later this month as Unite the Union confirms strike dates for First Cymru workers.
Strike action is due to take place between 22–25 October, 30 October–2 November, and 5–8 November.
The walkouts will involve drivers, engineers, cleaners, and administrative staff across depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, and Ammanford.
The industrial action comes after Unite members rejected what the company described as an above-inflation pay offer. The union says the offer failed to include full back pay owed to staff, and claims First Cymru’s pay rates are among the lowest in the bus industry.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “First Group is a hugely profitable company making millions, yet it is treating its workers, and the communities they come from in Wales, with utter disdain.
“It is simply unacceptable to pay poverty wages, offer a paltry pay rise and then try and withhold back pay. Our members won’t stand for it and they have the full support of their union in this dispute.”
Unite’s regional coordinating officer Alan McCarthy added: “This strike will shut down the bus network across huge swathes of the country, but it is a dispute entirely of First Cymru’s own making. All our members want is to be paid in line with other colleagues at other bus companies and for that pay to be backdated.”
In response, Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said: “We are disappointed for our customers that the above-inflation pay offer we have made to colleagues has been rejected and that they will now face disruption across South and West Wales.
“Throughout an extensive negotiation process we have listened to Unite member feedback and made a number of offers in order to try and reach an agreement so that customers who rely on our services are not affected by strike action.
“Unfortunately, the union has decided to press ahead with strikes over the coming weeks, including during the half-term holiday. Our door remains open to continue discussions and avoid unnecessary disruption.”
First Cymru says it will release full details of affected services on its website ahead of the planned action.
