Arriva Yorkshire bus worker strike continues after talks break down

Workers at depots across the region walked out on Monday, June 6 and Unite the Union said they were protesting against the company’s “pitiful offer of a 4.1 per cent pay increase” during the cost of living crisis.

No end date for the strike has been set and union officials met with Arriva Yorkshire representatives today, but no agreement was reached.

Arriva Yorkshire said it increased its pay offer to between 8.2 per cent and 12.7 per cent during the negotiations, but Unite refused to accept.

A Unite spokesman said: “This afternoon we held talks with Arriva Yorkshire, at their headquarters in Wakefield. Unfortunately, after four hours of discussion the talks have broken down with no deal.

“We are committed to coming back to the table – at some point – as soon as we can get diaries sorted out to confirm and continue negotiating, to try and bring this dispute to an end.”

Arriva Yorkshire is urging Unite to call off the strike immediatley and return to the negotiating table.

A spokesman said: "This new offer represents an increase of between 8.2 per cent and 12.7 per cent and raises the top rate to £13.15 per hour as well as increasing back pay.

"We were hopeful todays talks would lead to a positive outcome and the ending of strike action across Yorkshire.

"However, we’re extremely disappointed at Unites ongoing decision to not ballot their members on this offer.

"Our customers will no doubt share this frustration as strikes will continue to have a negative impact on our communities.

"We repeat our call for the strike to be suspended and for the union to take our offer to our employees so that communities can access vital bus services."