Latest news with #StagecoachWestScotland
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Around 130 Dumfries and Galloway jobs under threat at Stagecoach West Scotland
The firm is considering its future in the region as it believes contracts will not be renewed following concerns about a new liability clause. Around 130 jobs are under threat at Stagecoach West Scotland. The bus operator's existing contracts for school transport and council subsidised routes across Dumfries and Galloway are due to expire in a few months. But the firm is now considering its future in the region as it believes the deals will not be renewed following concerns about a new liability clause. That could see depots in Dumfries and Stranraer closed, which South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth claims would result in up to 130 jobs being lost. He said: 'If Stagecoach go ahead with their threat to withdraw from the region, this would be devastating news for the workforce – my thoughts are with every employee now facing uncertainty about their future. 'Stagecoach's possible exit would be a hammer blow to public transport in our region and utterly decimate local bus services. 'Having squeezed out competition over the years, Stagecoach know full well this would leave many communities cut off and pupils unable to get to school after the summer. 'To abandon local jobs and lifeline services while clinging onto the profitable routes from afar would be the height of corporate irresponsibility. 'I urge Stagecoach to think again. In the meantime, I've already raised this urgently with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and will be pressing the Scottish Government and the council to step in put in place alternative operators for these vital services. 'But let's be clear – with Stagecoach running the vast majority of bus routes in the region, I do not underestimate how difficult that will be.' Stagecoach runs a number of routes across Dumfries and Galloway, including services from Dumfries to Lockerbie, Moffat, Castle Douglas and Stranraer. Mr Smyth says he has been told by workers the firm would plan to continue some routes – such as services in Dumfries town and the Dumfries to Glasgow X74 – and these could be run from central belt depots. A Stagecoach West Scotland spokesperson said: 'The majority of the bus services Stagecoach operates in Dumfries and Galloway are under a contract arrangement with SWestrans which are due to expire in August 2025. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council have managed a tender process on behalf of SWestrans, which we have participated in. As part of our due diligence reviewing the terms of the contracts being tendered, we have identified a liability clause that is far in excess of the value of the contracts on offer. 'Stagecoach is unfortunately unable to agree to a contract on these disproportionate terms, and we have now notified the council. It is our understanding that our bids will not be recommended for award. 'We are now reviewing the impact of this on our local network of services and the significant number of staff we employ in the region at our Dumfries and Stranraer depots. 'Stagecoach West Scotland remains committed to keeping people in the community connected while we identify the impact of the tender process. We will provide an update on this when it is appropriate.' A council spokesman said: 'As part of the tender process, the council and SWestrans need to ensure that we have bus operators that meet minimum requirements on a range of industry-standard terms and conditions. This is in order to protect the public interest. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council and SWestrans continue to work through a tender process that has supporting and connecting the communities of Dumfries and Galloway firmly at its heart. 'The council takes its statutory duties to provide those children entitled to school transport extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring all school transport routes are operational for the start of the school year in August, with these routes being given priority. In addition, the council and SWestrans are committed to providing a well-connected local bus network. 'These long-term contracts will provide bus operators with certainty and stability in a market that is increasingly fragile and unsustainable. 'The evaluation, clarification and negotiations relating to tenders received from bus operators is ongoing and confidential. 'With this in mind, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.'
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Dozens of bus services cancelled as drivers strike in pay dispute
More than 40 bus services have been cancelled across Ayrshire as bus drivers stage the first strike in six weeks of planned action over a pay dispute. Bus operator Stagecoach apologised to passengers and listed 41 services which had been cancelled on Monday, with dozens more across the west of Scotland running to a limited timetable. Stagecoach said the industrial action by more than 400 Unite members 'will disrupt our services and inconvenience our customers'. The firm added: 'We're working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption, but unfortunately, the limited services we're running will affect customers travelling in and around Ayrshire. 'We're very sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.' Stagecoach said services in Ayrshire on Monday are being operated by drivers from other depots. Monday's strike will be followed by two further strike days on June 2 and 6, and then six weeks of continuous action starting on June 9 and lasting until July 21. Unite said previously around 430 Stagecoach drivers will take action after last minute pay talks did not lead to an improvement in an 'unacceptable' 4% pay offer previously rejected by members. The union said buses operating out of several depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock servicing bus routes in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow, would be affected. Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: 'Stagecoach West Scotland have not improved their pay offer in six months. 'The drivers are being asked to fund a pay rise by working longer hours, taking longer unpaid breaks and losing a week of annual leave. 'This is simply unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated by Unite.' She added: 'Widespread and prolonged industrial action is set to hit bus services across the west of Scotland because this company doesn't seem capable of listening to its workers. 'It's not right that the drivers are the lowest paid across the whole of the Stagecoach group. 'Our members deserve a fair rate and that's what we are determined to get for them.' Unite said members voted by 98% to take industrial action after rejecting the 4% pay offer which was tabled in November. A Stagecoach spokesperson previously said Ayrshire staff have rejected a two-year pay deal involving an increase to their hourly pay rate of 11.8%. The spokesperson added: 'We urge Unite to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table. 'Our commitment remains to reach a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across west Scotland.' The spokesperson added on Monday: 'Stagecoach is operating services across Ayrshire today, Monday May 26 on a reduced timetable, with some services unfortunately unable to operate due to industrial action. 'We're committed to keeping communities connected and apologise for any inconvenience caused. 'Customers are advised to check the latest updates on our website 'Normal bus services in the region will resume on Tuesday May 27.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dozens of bus services cancelled as drivers strike in pay dispute
More than 40 bus services have been cancelled across Ayrshire as bus drivers stage the first strike in six weeks of planned action over a pay dispute. Bus operator Stagecoach apologised to passengers and listed 41 services which had been cancelled on Monday, with dozens more across the west of Scotland running to a limited timetable. Stagecoach said the industrial action by more than 400 Unite members 'will disrupt our services and inconvenience our customers'. The firm added: 'We're working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption, but unfortunately, the limited services we're running will affect customers travelling in and around Ayrshire. 'We're very sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.' Stagecoach said services in Ayrshire on Monday are being operated by drivers from other depots. Monday's strike will be followed by two further strike days on June 2 and 6, and then six weeks of continuous action starting on June 9 and lasting until July 21. Unite said previously around 430 Stagecoach drivers will take action after last minute pay talks did not lead to an improvement in an 'unacceptable' 4% pay offer previously rejected by members. The union said buses operating out of several depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock servicing bus routes in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow, would be affected. Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: 'Stagecoach West Scotland have not improved their pay offer in six months. 'The drivers are being asked to fund a pay rise by working longer hours, taking longer unpaid breaks and losing a week of annual leave. 'This is simply unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated by Unite.' She added: 'Widespread and prolonged industrial action is set to hit bus services across the west of Scotland because this company doesn't seem capable of listening to its workers. 'It's not right that the drivers are the lowest paid across the whole of the Stagecoach group. 'Our members deserve a fair rate and that's what we are determined to get for them.' Unite said members voted by 98% to take industrial action after rejecting the 4% pay offer which was tabled in November. A Stagecoach spokesperson previously said Ayrshire staff have rejected a two-year pay deal involving an increase to their hourly pay rate of 11.8%. The spokesperson added: 'We urge Unite to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table. 'Our commitment remains to reach a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across west Scotland.' The spokesperson added on Monday: 'Stagecoach is operating services across Ayrshire today, Monday May 26 on a reduced timetable, with some services unfortunately unable to operate due to industrial action. 'We're committed to keeping communities connected and apologise for any inconvenience caused. 'Customers are advised to check the latest updates on our website 'Normal bus services in the region will resume on Tuesday May 27.'
Glasgow Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Stagecoach bus strikes suspended after legal threat
Dates had been set for strikes on May 2, May 6, May 9, May 12, May 16, May 19 and May 23, which Stagecoach said would 'cause disruption," after a total of 98% of Unite members employed by the bus operator's west of Scotland region voted for industrial action. Unite previously said that despite talks with Stagecoach, an adequately improved pay rise has not been put to drivers operating from depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer, and a 4% increase had been rejected by vote. READ MORE: Can you spot yourself? Hundreds flock to Glasgow parks to bask in the sunshine The union threatened legal action against Stagecoach after the bus company threatened to cancel drivers' annual leave entitlement during the strike dates. On Monday, a spokesperson for Stagecoach Scotland said it was 'necessary' due to 'increasing sickness levels and the importance of providing dependable services to our customers." READ MORE: Thousands to march in Glasgow for Scottish independence rally A spokesperson added: 'Any drivers affected have been given more notice than legally required. The company reserves the right to cancel leave to ensure it meets its service delivery obligations to keep the communities it serves connected.' Dougie Maguire, Unite regional co-ordinator, said: 'Unite can confirm that the forthcoming strike action involving over 500 drivers at Stagecoach West Scotland is suspended. 'Following our threat to seek an interim interdict against the company on the grounds of preventing discrimination against our members for trade union activities, the company has now withdrawn their threat of cancelling the drivers' annual leave entitlement. 'Unite remains utterly focused on getting our members a fairer pay offer from Stagecoach West Scotland, and we are always ready to negotiate a resolution to the pay dispute on this basis.' READ MORE: Blur vs Oasis: Britpop's biggest battle coming to a Glasgow stage A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: 'Following the suspension of all notified strike dates by Unite, we can confirm that our network of services will continue to operate to their full timetable, including on May 2 and May 6. 'We welcome Unite's commitment to return to talks, and we remain dedicated to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across West Scotland.'
