The proposed bus strikes which were suspended back on Saturday may now be back on once again, though not on the same dates. The news was posted yesterday evening onto the forum and this morning has been confirmed by First South Yorkshire. This is in spite of Unite recommending drivers to take the revised offer and accept it.

Out of 1,300 drivers eligible to vote, 379 accepted the offer, 514 rejected it and one ballot paper was discounted because it was spoiled. This accounts for 42% of the drivers agreed with the strike.

First South Yorkshire offered to settle the outstanding accrued holidays, award a pay increase of 2.5% in April 2010, give a one-off additional holiday in 2010/11 and provide additional subsidies for staff canteens.

In Friday's negotiations, First had offered the following pay deal which the Union had strongly recommended its members to accept to resolve all the South Yorkshire industrial relations disputes. This included:

• To settle the outstanding accrued holiday issue at full rate (£9.13) this year in a lump-sum payment in December;
• A pay increase of 2.5% in April 2010;
  
• A one-off additional holiday in 2010/11 (as initially requested);
• Additional subsidies for staff canteens in Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster.

Bob Hamilton, Managing Director of First South Yorkshire said, "I am very disappointed that this pay offer has been rejected, despite being strongly recommended by Unite Union. This was a good offer in tough economic conditions that would have helped protect staff and the business.

We will continue to do our utmost to resolve this pay dispute but the ballot result has not changed our position. First South Yorkshire has no money to fund a pay increase this year."

Drivers at the Olive Grove depot in Sheffield are to be balloted today on the seperate issue concerning a resolution of grievance and discipline issues, will be announced at the end of today (Thursday 15th October).

At this moment in time, no further strikes are planned at First South Yorkshire and the Unite union would need to give 7 days notice to First South Yorkshire, before a strike could legally take place.

For further details please visit www.firstmainline.co.uk

Thanks,
Staff at South Yorkshire Transport