Bus Strike Action to disrupt routes across South and West Wales

Bus services across South and West Wales are set for major disruption after Unite the Union confirmed strike action will go ahead over an ongoing pay dispute with First Cymru.

The union announced industrial action will take place between 30 October and 2 November, and again from 5 to 8 November, following the breakdown of talks over what it described as an “unfair and below-inflation” pay offer.

The strikes are expected to affect services operated by First Cymru, which runs routes across Swansea, Llanelli, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, potentially impacting thousands of commuters, students and key workers.

The company has said it will shortly publish details on its website outlining which services will be cancelled or reduced during the strike period.

Company “Disappointed” by Strike Decision

In a statement issued on Friday, 24 October, at 3.45pm, Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was disappointed that its latest offer had been rejected.

“We are disappointed for our customers that the above inflation pay offer we made to our colleagues, including drivers, has been rejected and that they will now face disruption.

Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to Unite the Union member feedback and made a number of offers in order to try and settle this dispute, to ensure customers who rely on our services are not affected by strike action.

Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite the Union has decided to press ahead with strikes, affecting our customers. Our door remains open to negotiation.

We will shortly provide further information on our website about which services will be affected.”

Background to the Dispute

Negotiations between First Cymru and Unite have been ongoing for several months, with union representatives arguing that drivers and depot staff have faced rising living costs without fair pay increases.

Unite has previously claimed that its members have been offered a deal that fails to keep pace with inflation, calling on the company to “value its workforce properly.”

Earlier this month, workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action after rejecting the company’s latest pay proposal.

While the union says its members are determined to secure a “fair and sustainable” pay rise, First Cymru insists its latest offer was “above inflation” and reflected the financial challenges facing the public transport sector.

Impact on Passengers

Passengers across the region are being urged to check the First Cymru website and social media channels for updates on timetables and alternative travel options ahead of the planned strikes.

The company said it remains committed to continuing discussions with Unite to avert further disruption and reach a resolution “as soon as possible.”