First Bus South West: Industrial action in Cornwall & Somerset

WATCH Simon Goff, First Bus South West Managing Director respond to the RMT’s decision

“Today, 84 per cent of staff in Somerset and 58 per cent in Cornwall reported to work, even more than during the last strikes on 23/24 July. We are extremely grateful for those who continued to provide services for our customers who rely on us every day.

“Throughout negotiations, we have been totally transparent about our position and that some terms and conditions would need to be traded to achieve a higher pay increase. Our full and final offer of 5.1% is above inflation for all pay grades, and follows a significant pay increase of 17.6% in December 2022. We have also been clear with the RMT that their counter offer is totally unviable and would put jobs and bus services at immediate risk.

“We remain committed to finding a solution which is affordable and protects jobs. We value our people, and we are dedicated to maintaining a positive and productive work environment. 

“We urge the RMT to listen to what their members are telling them and allow them to have a vote on our offer, because industrial action is unnecessary, disruptive for our customers and is not being supported". First Bus South West spokesperson

Service information for Friday 9 August to Monday 12 August 2024 inclusive

Cornwall

• We expect Truro Park & Ride (PR1 / PR1A) to be the only registered bus services to operate a full timetable as normal. However, no services are guaranteed, and customers should check for the latest updates before travel as services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.

• We plan for any available staff to be deployed on a modified U1/U1A service between Falmouth and Newquay, focusing on the early morning and later services for hospital staff. However, no services are guaranteed, and customers should check for the latest updates before travel as services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
• A Sunday service will operate on the 24 and 29
• The Atlantic Coaster will not operate
• All other services may operate pending on the driver availability, prioritising the T1/2 service if possible.

Please note that all services may be subject to change and passengers should check before travelling.

• Separately, services to the Boardmasters Festival will run as planned (service is provided by school/college, and coach drivers employed by a separate partner company of First SW)

For the latest information, please go to:

• Websites: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/cornwall and https://www.firstbus.co.uk/adventures-bus
• Social media: X.com @by_Kernow and @adventuresbybus
• Phone: First Bus National Contact Centre 0345 646 0707

Somerset

• Across these dates, there may be disruption to Adventures by Bus and Buses of Somerset services.
• 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. Please note that all services may be subject to change and passengers should check before travelling.
• Service on the CR4 may be affected in neighbouring Dorset – please check @firstdorset before travel. No other First Wessex services in Dorset will be affected.

For the latest information, please go to:

• Websites: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset and https://www.firstbus.co.uk/adventures-bus
• Somerset social media: X.com @busesofsomerset and @adventuresbybus
• Dorset social media for C4 service only: X.com https://x.com/firstdorset
• Phone: First Bus National Contact Centre 0345 646 0707

We are doing all we can to operate as many services as possible and would like to apologise for the disruption that customers may experience during the strikes.