Translink bus network set for week-long shutdown due to strike action
The industrial action is due to take place later this month
Last updated 7th Apr 2022
Northern Ireland’s bus network set to grind to a halt later this month - after what Trade Union have called a 'real terms pay cut offered by bosses'.
Drivers on the Translink network are set to strike from April 25th for one week, GMB Union announced today (Wednesday).
Drivers will down tools from 00.01 April 25th to 23.59 on May 1st – with a further one day strike planned for May 6th to mark the Assembly Election count beginning.
In an industrial action ballot conducted in Translink, 82% backed strike action.
Unions submitted a pay claim of 6% for drivers, cleaners and shunters for what they say is to 'cope with rampant inflation'.
"Inflation peaked last week at 8.2% and with further price hikes in energy costs announced, the struggle for working people to cover essential bills will only worsen," a GMB statement said.
"Translink management have refused to budge from their offer of 3% - a real terms pay cut – an offer rejected four times by workers.
"GMB is urging Translink to get back around the table to discuss a fair pay offer to help their staff with the cost of living crisis," the statement added.
Peter Macklin, GMB Organiser, said: "Every worker deserves fair pay. With rampant inflation, this real terms cut is a slap in the face, and will leave many struggling to cover their bills.
"During the pandemic, they kept transport running so other essential workers could get to and from workplaces to perform vital roles.
"Our members were proud to carry out their duty in delivering the service, potentially putting themselves and their families at risk.
"When we clapped every Thursday night, we said the essential workers would not be forgotten or left behind. But in the cost of living crisis, Translink is forgetting their own workers.
"While the Department of Infrastructure is providing investment in new buses, services and transport hubs they are failing to invest in the very workers without whom the service would fail,"
"The dispute, which affects bus drivers, cleaners and shunters will close the entire bus network within Northern Ireland. It will be a complete shutdown."
GMB Metro Chairman, Eamon McCullough, added: "My members have been clear – this derisory offer is an insult to the service they provided during lockdown. We feel totally let down by Translink’s management."
GMB Ulsterbus Branch Chair, Jim Boyle, echoed that comment: "Translink have completely failed to recognise or appreciate our members actions in the pandemic. The least we deserve is fair pay."
When contacted by Cool FM/Downtown Radio, a Translink spokesperson said they hope to avoid strike action: A Translink spokesperson said:
“We are disappointed that the Unite and GMB Bus Driver Trade Unions have voted to take industrial action.
“Following extensive negotiations, including with the Labour Relations Agency, we made a pay offer of 3% plus an enhanced package of conditions that included a 7% increase in weekend and overtime rates along with 2 extra days holiday.
“We believe this was a fair and reasonable offer and have at all times been open to discussions. We remain committed to working with the unions to avert this action.
“We would welcome the opportunity to engage with unions to cover school duties, so that the wellbeing of schoolchildren can remain a priority.
“All train services will continue to operate as normal.
“We will communicate relevant passenger information through the media, on our website www.translink.co.uk, through social media, in stations and on buses and trains.
“Translink apologises for any inconvenience this may cause”.