An agreement was reached on 12 August with the subsidiary of international transport company First Group. The settlement concedes most of the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) members’ demands, including a control on working hours and meaningful wage increases.

However, concerns have subsequently been raised over actions indicating that the employer intends to seek retribution from workers and their union, by, for example, ceasing to deduct union contributions from wages. The TGWU is acting to resolve these issues.

First Group has a turnover of nearly £2.5 billion a year and some 62,000 employees across the UK and North America.

Mac Urata, ITF Inland Transport Section Secretary said, “Bus drivers world-wide are reporting extreme pressure on conditions and wages as large state-owned bus fleets are privatised or concessions allocated to multinationals. Union solidarity is vital if we are to keep fair pay and conditions on the agenda.”

More information:  http://www.first-strike.co.uk

Date published: 25 August 2004 Source: ITF news online