Hampshire bus services: Stagecoach drivers vote on strike

Stagecoach bus drivers are considering strikes <i>(Image: Stagecoach)</i>
Stagecoach bus drivers are considering strikes (Image: Stagecoach)
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MORE than a hundred bus drivers could go on strike later this spring after their colleagues were unfairly dismissed, according to the Unite trade union.

Workers at Stagecoach South’s Aldershot depot who drive buses across Hampshire and Surrey are being balloted on strike action.

Unite members have been described as "furious" at the treatment of two colleagues, the branch chair and the equalities rep, who have been sacked.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a classic case of union busting and Stagecoach has been caught red handed. Unite never allows its members to be treated in this way. Stagecoach must reverse its decision to dismiss our members on trumped up charges, or face the consequences.”

READ MORE: Stagecoach announce new Andover to Winchester service

The ballot opened on March 25 and closes on April 14. If the ballot is successful, industrial action will take place later this spring. Any strike action will have a serious impact on all bus services running from the Aldershot depot.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Strike action will inevitably lead to severe disruption across the local bus network but this is a dispute entirely of Stagecoach’s own making.

“The company needs to recognise the error of its ways and reinstate our members.”

The Chronicle has approached Stagecoach for comment.

 

 

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