First Manchester bus drivers announce fresh strikes in pay dispute

My name is Matthew Hampson and I work full time as a staff nurse at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. I am also a steward at our Branch and the Branch Environmental Officer. 

On Thursday 20th January, I used my day off to visit the Unite picket line in Oldham to show my solidarity. 300 bus drivers are taking strike action as a promised pay increase to be backdated from August has not been given to them by their bosses. They also have an imposed roster system which gives them approximately 2 weeks advance notice of shifts. This is a grossly inadequate system which makes it very difficult to plan holidays and see family and friends. They deserve to be treated far better than this by their management. Bus workers have worked throughout the pandemic and like health workers have been very exposed to the pandemic. 

On the picket line I was greeted warmly by the strikers. The atmosphere on the picket line was fantastic. There was a colourful display of Unite flags, Unison flags, food and friendly chatter. The strikers were very pleased that I was there to stand by them and show solidarity. If the bus workers win their dispute this will send a signal to other workers that strikes are an effective way of winning.

The trade union movement are looking at this dispute and it is a fight that we can not afford to lose.