Bus strike could affect services in Saltash

First Bus is warning passengers may experience 'significant disruption' to services across Devon and Cornwall on Friday 26 October due to industrial action. Driving, engineering and some administrative staff are expected to walk out in a dispute over pay. First bosses and the Union representing the staff have been meeting to discuss suitable offers but the situation remains unresolved.

First says it will prioritise contracted school and college services in Cornwall. They are also looking at whether it is possible to run any other tendered services on behalf of Cornwall Council. Meanwhile in Devon, First hopes to run services to Tavistock School and a reduced Park and Ride Service in Plymouth, with buses running every half an hour, rather than every 7 minutes as they do on normal days.

Customers are being advised to consider finding alternative ways to make important journeys.

In a statement, First says: "The action that the Union is taking will cause undue disruption to hardworking people in Devon and Cornwall, who rely on our services to get to work, education and leisure destinations. We deeply regret this but we are afraid that despite lengthy talks and a willingness to negotiate on behalf of the company, an agreement has not been reached.

In this current economic climate we believe this action is very selfish. With many people out of work and other facing pay freezes and tougher times, we are very disappointed that the Union representing our drivers and engineers has turned down a two year pay deal.

The offer that the union rejected was straightforward: it guaranteed staff a pay increase from 2 December along with a one off lump sum payment on the same date, and similarly offered them a further pay increase from April next year."

The company says it will do all it can to update its website, Facebook and Twitter pages as more information becomes available regarding the services that will operate. For more information check out any of the following:

Website: www.firstgroup.com/devon or www.firstgroup.com/cornwall

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstinDevonandCornwall

Twitter: @FirstBus_Devon

Customer Services: 0845 600 1420

Traveline South West: 0871 200 22 33 / www.travelinesw.com