‘Total breakdown’

More than 430 workers at the Oxford Bus Company are being balloted for strike action, following ‘a complete breakdown of industrial relations’, Unite said today (January 24).

The union said that the issues included pay negotiations, disciplinary procedures, and a proposed new holiday policy and lieu days. The ballot will open on Monday January 30 and closes on Monday February 20.

The company, part of the highly profitable Go Ahead Group, gained unwelcome publicity last month, after ‘Scrooge’ bosses refused to pay drivers extra for working on two legally recognised bank holidays over the festive season which meant individual drivers lost £100-a-day.

“We held talks with the company on the dire state of industrial relations last week, but, unfortunately, no substantive progress was made,” said Unite regional officer Marie Hall.

“The management is responsible for failing to negotiate in good faith. They may speak warm words, but their actions have created a negative culture where our members feel that they have no option but to hold an industrial action ballot so their legitimate grievances are taken seriously.

“There has been a total breakdown in industrial relations due to the company’s attitude which was highlighted by the ‘Scrooge’ episode at Christmas,” she added.

“As Unite represents the majority of the 590-strong workforce should there be a strike bus services in Oxford will be paralysed. However, there is a window of opportunity for the company to come to the table and enter into a constructive dialogue with the union. Our door is open 24/7.”

 

Unite has 436 members at the company, including drivers, maintenance staff and admin workers.