Bus workers at First South West in Somerset and Cornwall could go on strike amid a pay dispute, union RMT has warned.
It said its members would be balloted on industrial action after the transport group offered its workers a pay increase of 58p an hour (4.2%). The offer had already been rejected by union members in a previous round of talks.
RMT said bus workers wanted to be paid £15 an hour, which it claims is "in line with" the pay of other bus companies in the region.
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First South West is part of FirstGroup, whose bus division made £96m in profit last year, with the group overall reporting adjusted operating profits of £223m and increasing dividends to shareholders.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Bus workers at First South West are being left behind while other operators across the region pay more.
“It is disgraceful that our members are expected to do the same job for less money, and their patience has run out. First South West can easily afford to pay a decent wage, but their refusal so far could lead to strike action if progress is not made.”
A First Bus spokesperson told Business Live the company was "disappointed" that RMT had chosen to ballot some employees for industrial action.
"We continue to engage in pay negotiations," a company spokesperson said.
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“Our 4.2% pay increase reflects the value we put on colleagues and demonstrates our commitment to protecting staff from the rising cost of living – even in the challenging financial environment we operate in.
“We remain open to having constructive discussions at any time and urge the RMT to continue these talks so we can reach a fair resolution for our colleagues and the customers across the area we serve.”
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