Hundreds of bus users in Nantwich and Crewe face five more days of travel problems as Arriva drivers continue strike action.
The next day of industrial action takes place on Monday (November 6), with no Arriva bus services across South Cheshire, warns Arriva North West.
And unions say drivers will also carry out 24-hour strike action on November 8, 13, 20 and 27.
The dispute is over the latest pay offers for bus drivers, who held action in October.
Unite and GMB members at Arriva say they deserve an above-inflation pay rise and that Arriva’s offers so far have been too low.
John Boughton, regional industrial organiser at Unite, said the “silence was deafening” from Arriva in the pay negotiations.
But Phil Stone, managing director for Arriva North West, said in a statement: “It is disappointing that, having met with the unions last week where we tabled two further improved pay offers, they are unwilling to take these back to their membership for a vote.
“Instead, customers have to endure yet more days of unnecessary strike action.
“We have always made it clear we are available for further pay talks to reach a fair deal for our drivers and which supports the sustainability of the business.
“We urge the union to call off the strike action that will cause unnecessary disruption and inconvenience to customers and get back round the negotiating table.
“We would like to reassure customers that we will continue to do all we can to resolve the situation and wholeheartedly apologise for the inconvenience that this will cause.”
Strike action on November 8 will also coincide with RMT rail strikes affecting Northern Rail and Merseyrail.
“Arriva North West want to wholeheartedly apologise to our customers who will be affected by this industrial action,” added a spokesperson.
Bus users needing more information are urged to contact customer services on 0344 800 44 11.
(pic by snowmanradio, creative commons)
I know this means no 84 service to Chester, but can you find out whether it also applies to the Crewe-Nantwich service?