82 per cent of drivers voted for industrial action
Bus drivers at Translink have backed strike action after a miserly real terms pay cut was offered by bosses.
In a successful industrial action ballot conducted in Translink, 82% backed strike action.
Unions submitted a pay claim of 6% to help the bus drivers, cleaners and shunters cope with rampant inflation. Inflation peaked last week at 8.2% and with further price hikes in energy costs announced this week, that figure is set to increase.
Translink management have refused to budge from their offer of 3% - a real terms pay cut – and this has now been rejected for a fourth time by workers.
Peter Macklin, GMB Organiser, said:
"GMB members feel aggrieved and disrespected – this overwhelming result makes that crystal clear.
“Translink have failed to recognise what workers went through during the pandemic.
“They kept transport running so other essential workers could get to and from workplaces to perform vital roles.
“Our members were proud to carry out their duty in delivering the service, which potentially put themselves and their families lives at risk.
"When we clapped every Thursday night, we said the essential workers would not be forgotten or left behind
“The dispute, which affects bus drivers, cleaners and shunters will close the entire bus network within Northern Ireland. It will be a complete shutdown.”
