Unite bus workers win a victory against First Cymru

By Alec Thraves, Swansea Trades Council and Socialist Party

After eight days of strike action, over several weeks, Unite bus workers across South West Wales have voted to accept an improved pay offer from First Cymru whose pay and conditions are amongst some the worst in the transport industry.

Whilst still short of the pay parity members were seeking, the strength and numbers turning out on the early morning picket lines and the massive disruption to travel have forced First Cymru to not just improve the pay offer, but to also backdate the pay award, which was a major sticking point in reaching an agreement.

In addressing last weeks meeting of Swansea Trades Council, the Unite branch Secretary and his colleagues were adamant that without the determined and solid strike action taken this improved deal would not have been reached. It has strengthened the union branch, with some non-members also signing up to the union in preparation for the inevitable future struggles to get the pay and conditions parity from First Cymru.

The union reps were extremely grateful and thanked the Trades Council members for their solidarity and support on every picket line during their dispute.