11 July 2003

AN RMT picket was run over by a Stagecoach bus being driven by a manager this morning in an incident outside Paignton bus depot during the second of seven days of strike action against low pay.

"Trevor Reynolds, a Stagecoach driver, was on picket duty this morning when a bus, driven by a manager, accelerated away and drove over his foot," said RMT regional organiser Phil Bialyk. "Trevor has been taken to Torbay hospital and we hope he is notseriously hurt.

"Only 20 minutes before the incident I told the boss, Chris Hilditch, that someone would get hurt if he didnt stop his managers accelerating recklessly away from the lights at the entrance to the depot in order to avoid talking to pickets.

"Instead of trying to break the strike by driving a bus, Mr Hilditch should be trying to end it by talking to the union.

"Feelings are running high but our pickets have been disciplined and orderly and have sought only to talk to these managers who are attempting to break our strike, which is absolutely rock solid.

"This incident will only have angered our members even more they voted by 13 to one to strike against low pay and we are not going away," said Phil Bialyk.

"This isan outrageous incident which should never have been allowed to happen, RMT general secretary Bob Crow said this morning.

"Mr Hilditch should understand that our members have voted overwhelmingly for action to end poverty pay and that the union is solidly behind them," Bob Crow said.

ends

Note to editors: The unions claim is for £6.50 an hour for drivers and a pro rata increase for other staff. Drivers are currently paid £5.93. Further strike days are scheduled for July 15, 17, 21, 23 and 25.