Bus firm First Devon and Cornwall says sorry for strike disruption
Bus drivers were back on the roads today following a one-day strike that saw hundreds of services thrown into chaos.
Members of the RMT transport union employed by First Devon and Cornwall walked out yesterday in an ongoing battle over pay.
Engineers and back-room staff were also involved in the dispute.
The bus company said fewer than 10% of its bus services were operating across Devon and Cornwall.
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Bus passengers will have to brace themselves for a second planned one-day strike on November 9.
Furthermore, staff will not work any unscheduled overtime or on rest days, on November 11 and 17.
Trouble flared between the two sides after a pay rise worth 7.1% over two years was rejected by the union – 3.9% was guaranteed, while a further 3.2% was linked to efficiencies made.
However, union chiefs accused the company of failing to put a "serious offer" on the table.
The company insists drivers who earn around £17,000 as a basic salary have the chance to earn a bigger pay packet through overtime payments.
A spokesman for the company last night said: "Today has been challenging but we have been able to operate a number of services. We would, once again, like to offer our apologies to our customers for the disruption that this action has caused."
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