Bus firm 'committed' to resolving pay dispute

A North Yorkshire bus manufacturer hit by strike action has said it remains committed to resolving a pay dispute with workers despite the rejection of its latest offer.

About 400 staff at Alexander Dennis' factory in Eastfield, near Scarborough, have walked out in two rounds of industrial action since June.

Workers represented by Unite have rejected a 4% pay offer and warned further strikes would be scheduled unless an agreement was reached.

A company spokesperson described the offer as "very fair and above-inflation" and said Alexander Dennis was one of the top-paying employers in the Scarborough area.

The latest walkouts took place between 16 and 20 July, following an earlier round of strike action from 25 June to 1 July.

Unite said workers had seen the cost-of-living crisis worsened "by years of sub-par pay increases" and accused the company of failing to put forward an acceptable offer.

Alexander Dennis said it was "incredibly disappointing" staff had rejected its proposal, but stressed the firm remained willing to continue talks.

A spokesperson said: "The UK bus manufacturing sector is under intense pressure.

"Costs are rising and half of all new buses now come from overseas.

"We are committed to working with the union and our team members to bring this matter to a resolution."

The union said pay had increased by about 15% over the past five years, compared with inflation of about 35% over the same period, based on the Retail Price Index measure.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: "These workers have seen their pay plummet in real terms. Enough is enough.

"Alexander Dennis must come back with a pay offer that matches their hard work and commitment. Strikes will not end until that happens."

Regional officer Dan Stephens said the company was responsible for the ongoing disruption.

"It could put forward an acceptable offer but is choosing not to," he said.

"That is the only way this dispute will end."

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