: First Buses – The Other Strike

While all of the media attention was focused on the ongoing postal dispute, another group of workers were taking on their bosses in Greater Manchester this Monday. Over 800 Drivers for the First Bus Group based at depots in Bury, Bolton and Wigan joined thousands across the country who took strike action over an imposed pay freeze.

Workers have expressed their dismay at the fact that the zero per cent pay increase comes despite First Group PLC recording profits of over £326 million in the year up to March 2009, a 31 per cent increase on the previous year. Unite, the union representing the striking drivers, says that First are using the recession as an excuse to make employees pay for bigger profits and dividends for shareholders.