More than 2,000 bus drivers in Greater Manchester are set to strike later this month after rejecting pay offers from their employers, raising the prospect of major disruption to services across the city region.
The Unite union confirmed that drivers working for Stagecoach, Metroline and First Bus Rochdale will walk out between 19 and 22 September. The strike covers large parts of the Bee Network, the publicly controlled system that links services across Greater Manchester.
Union Rejects Pay Offers
Unite said its members had turned down pay offers ranging from 3.5% to 6%, arguing that they failed to address years of low wages, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. Around 1,000 drivers at Stagecoach and Metroline each rejected a 3.5% increase, while drivers at First Bus Rochdale dismissed a 6% offer.
Colin Hayden, Unite’s regional officer, said: “Unite remains open to negotiations with the bus companies, but they need to return to the table with an improved offer. With so many drivers walking out at once, this will be a highly disruptive strike that will bring parts of Greater Manchester to a standstill.”
Operators Defend Pay Proposals
Operators defended their positions. Stagecoach’s regional director Matt Davies described the strike as “unnecessary,” insisting the company would keep working towards a settlement and was preparing contingency plans to maintain services.
First Bus Rochdale’s general manager, Paul Townley, said the company’s 6% offer was “well above inflation” and that managers had been “working hard to find solutions to help our valued drivers.” He added: “Industrial action is not the way forward.” Metroline has not yet commented.
Transport Authority Response
Transport for Greater Manchester said it was monitoring the dispute closely. “Bus operators are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff,” a spokesperson said. “Our priority is to keep Greater Manchester moving.”
Wider Tensions in the Sector
The row reflects wider tensions in the transport sector, where inflation, energy prices and staff shortages continue to squeeze workers and operators. Unite argues that bus drivers in Rochdale remain among the lowest paid in the region, on £15 an hour, and says the offers made so far fall short of what drivers need to cope with rising costs.
If no agreement is reached, the four-day strike could become one of the most disruptive industrial actions on the Bee Network since it was brought under public control.
