CITY bus drivers are to take seven days of industrial action over pay.

Bus Union RMT today confirmed seven days of industrial action will take place in September on Bluestar Buses in Eastleigh, Totton and Poole, after drivers, cleaners and ticket office staff rejected a revised pay offer from the company.

Members have been instructed not to work any overtime over their contracted 40 hours and not to work on their rest days for one week commencing from midnight on Wednesday, September 4 and 11.59pm hours on Tuesday, September 10.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said: “Our members on Bluestar Buses have rejected the company’s paltry revised pay offer which is why they will be mounting a week of industrial action in September.

“Bus drivers at Bluestar are typically expected to work excessive hours at an average of 50 per week including at least one fixed rota at 57hr without enhanced payments being made even though they are contracted for 40 hours only.‎

“The company need to come back with a realistic proposal to settle the dispute and until they do so our members are left with no choice but to take industrial action.

“The union remains available for talks.”

Andrew Wickham, Bluestar managing director said: “I am surprised the RMT has not accepted our above inflation offer. The only communication from the union has been notification of industrial action. 

“We are available for talks and plan to meet shortly, with the intention of reaching a satisfactory resolution for all concerned.

“Whatever the outcome, we do not anticipate any disruption to our customers, and services will run normally.”