BUS services in Somerset will be affected by a strike action tomorrow (Tuesday 23), and Wednesday, July 24.

Bus union RMT will start 48 hours of strike action at First South West in a dispute over pay and working conditions.

It is understood the following services could be affected: 21,22, 25, 28, 54, 58/58A, CR4, and Exmoor Coaster.

Over 300 bus workers will set up picket lines across the region, including Taunton.

An RMT spokesperson said: “First South West has repeatedly failed to put forward acceptable offers to bus workers, despite the parent company, First Group, announcing pre-tax profits of £139 million, up 33 per cent from the previous year.

“First Group also proposed dividends for 2024 up by 45 per cent on last year.

“Despite these successes, over the weekend, First South West bosses put forward insulting pay offers that were not designed to end the dispute.

“The offers did not meet the members' aspirations, were only aimed at bus drivers, and excluded other grades such as Engineers, Supervisors, Clerical Staff, and Cleaners.

“First South West bosses put no new money forward and also wanted drivers to trade off their hard-fought-for terms and conditions in exchange for a measly pay rise.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "First South West has shown no interest in trying to genuinely settle this dispute or look after the best interest of their employees.

"Instead, they have tried to divide the workforce and attack hard-fought terms and conditions of bus workers to push through a poor pay offer.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly for strike action and are not interested in pitiful last-minute offers that do not meet their pay aspirations and ultimately seek to undermine their conditions of work.

"The strike action will go ahead, and our members are ready to maintain their industrial campaign until they can win a decent pay rise."

A First Bus spokesperson said “all current school services in Somerset (where schools are in) will be covered as a priority.

“We plan for any available staff to be deployed on the 21,22, 25, 28, 54, 58/58A, CR4, and Exmoor Coaster.

“Unfortunately, no services are guaranteed, and the above is based on expected driver availability.”

The spokesperson also said: “Extensive negotiations took place, and two further improved offers were put forward.

“The latest offer from First Bus SW was made on Friday, July 19, and it was this offer that RMT refused to share with their members.

“Throughout negotiations, we felt there had finally been recognition from the RMT that in order for pay rates to match our competitors, there would need to be changes made to the Terms and Conditions for drivers.

“These include elements which our competitors do not pay or offer, which is why they are able to offer a higher rate of pay.

“Our revised offer to the membership not only offered a backdated pay increase, but also made clear the value of these terms and conditions and how parity could be achieved through negotiation.

“Unfortunately, the RMT have chosen to refuse to engage with their membership and put this offer to them, instead proceeding with industrial action.”

The RMT spokesperson added: "That is a false statement by the company [RMT refusing to share an offer with their members]. 

"We always consult our members on offers and we have numerous mechanisms we use to do just that. 

"First South West only gave the union a very short period to consult members and the offer was divisive and sought to attack our members hard fought for terms and conditions in exchange for a measly pay rise. "