A GROUP of bus drivers formed a picket line in Taunton town centre to start a 48-hour strike action over pay and working conditions.

Bus union RMT started their strike action at First South West this morning (Tuesday, July 23) and joined a picket line outside the Market House in Taunton town centre.

(Image: Newsquest)

Some drivers at the picket line in Taunton this morning said: “It is difficult. It is about the terms and conditions. No one wants to strike today."

Another driver said: “The pay rise is good, but it’s for the terms and conditions that we are here today.

Other comments from a driver present at the picket line included: “This company has always been a good company to work for. It’s always been very reliable. But when we went on strike last year not a lot changed.

“It is a shame things do not change. We are among the lowest-paid transport workers in the region. We don’t feel important by being low-paid.

“We’re not saying we should be equal because every company is different, but we should be somewhat similar to drivers in other companies because it’s the same job.

“Our customers have been very understanding. They understand what’s going on and why we feel sorry for having to take this action.”

A First Bus spokesperson previously said: “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.”