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Bus strikes across South West Wales come to an end after deal agreed

The company announced this week that a revised pay offer has been accepted by staff, lifting the threat of further walkouts and restoring certainty for passengers.

Agreement brings relief after months of disruption

Industrial action by Unite members had caused widespread disruption to services in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and beyond, with strikes stretching into the autumn and winter.

Several rounds of negotiations saw offers rejected, strikes postponed, and services repeatedly thrown into doubt. At one stage, Unite confirmed action would continue into January, escalating concerns for commuters and local councils.

The breakthrough came after First Cymru tabled an improved offer, which has now been accepted.

First Cymru statement

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First Bus Cymru, said:

“We are pleased that the revised offer has been accepted by colleagues and that the threat of further strike action has been lifted. This agreement provides certainty for our teams and our customers, and enables us to move forward together.

“Our priority now is to restore confidence and deliver the reliable, consistent services that our communities depend on every day. We want to thank our customers for their patience during this period of uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming back anyone who may have been affected by the recent disruption.”

Looking ahead

The end of the strikes will be welcomed by thousands of passengers who rely on First Cymru buses daily for work, school and essential travel. Local leaders, including Neath Port Talbot Council, had previously voiced concern about the impact of prolonged disruption on communities and businesses.

With the agreement now in place, attention turns to rebuilding trust and ensuring services run smoothly through the busy winter period.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Unite confirms suspension of First Cymru bus strike after improved pay offer
Early breakthrough as improved pay terms paused action and offered hope of a resolution.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader says First Cymru bus strike postponed
Local leadership welcomed a pause, highlighting the impact on commuters and essential travel.

First Cymru bus strikes set to continue into January as dispute escalates
The dispute deepened, with extended action threatening winter reliability across the network.

First Cymru bus strikes confirmed as workers reject latest pay offer
Unite members rejected terms, confirming new strike dates and pushing negotiations to the brink.

First Cymru confirms bus strikes will go ahead after pay offer rejected
Operator response followed the rejection, warning of significant service disruption.

First Cymru bus strikes postponed after new pay offer
A new offer paused planned walkouts and reopened dialogue between the parties.

First bus strike to cause major disruption across South and West Wales
Initial warning set the tone for months of uncertainty across Swansea and neighbouring areas.

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First Cymru bus strikes confirmed as workers reject latest pay offer

Back pay row reignites walkouts

Unite the Union said its members had “overwhelmingly” voted to reject the latest offer, which did not include back pay. The union had paused strike action planned for 22 October in good faith, but confirmed that walkouts will now go ahead.

Strikes are scheduled for 30 and 31 October, and 1 and 2 November, with further action planned for 5 to 8 November. Unite has also warned that members are prepared to escalate the dispute into the Christmas period if necessary.

Union accuses company of “profiteering”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“First is guilty of trying to deny workers the back pay they are fully entitled to, in order to line its own pockets.”

The union claims First Cymru pays some of the lowest wages in the industry, and that new recruits are placed on a lower rate for 12 months, creating a “two-tier workforce.”

Unite also pointed to First Group’s latest financial results, which show £200 million in profit and a £3 million pay package for its chief executive.

Regional coordinating officer Alan McCarthy added:

“Communities across South Wales will now face bus chaos, but their anger should be directed at profiteering bus bosses who are seeking to short-change our members.”

Company says offer was “above inflation”

In a statement, First Cymru said it was “disappointed” by the rejection and warned customers to expect disruption.

“We have listened to Unite member feedback and made several offers to try to settle this dispute… Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite has decided to press ahead with strikes.”

The company said its door remains open to negotiation and promised updates on affected services via its website.

Pay gap and Real Living Wage comparisons

Unite said the recent announcement of the Real Living Wage uplift to £13.45 had further highlighted the gap between First Cymru drivers and their counterparts elsewhere.

The union claims drivers in Wales are earning up to £3 per hour less than those at other operators, including First Bus in Bristol.

What happens next

Strike action will begin Thursday 30 October, with services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and Carmarthenshire expected to be affected.

Passengers are advised to check First Cymru’s website for service updates and plan alternative travel where possible.

#busStrike #busStrikes #featured #FirstCymru #industrialAction #strikes #Union #UniteTheUnion #UniteUnion