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MSP warns Ayrshire bus strikes will leave thousands stranded


MSP warns Ayrshire bus strikes will leave thousands stranded

Drivers based at depots in Ayr, Ardrossan, Arran, and Kilmarnock are set to take industrial action on Monday, May 26, following a breakdown in pay negotiations between Stagecoach and Unite.

Further strike action is also proposed for June 2 and 6.

Mr Greene, recently appointed transport spokesperson for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, says his constituents in North Ayrshire and Arran are "well familiar with unreliable bus services".

The dispute centres around a proposed 11.8 per cent pay rise over two years which has already been accepted by staff in Dumfries and Galloway but rejected by staff in Ayrshire.

Various routes across North Ayrshire and the surrounding areas will be cancelled or cut back.

More than 20 routes will be running on a limited frequency including Kilmarnock to Ayr, Ardrossan to Kilmarnock, Troon to Irvine, Isle of Arran, and Ayr to Glasgow.

Stagecoach say they are trying to minimise the impact of disruption but have warned that key routes serving schools, hospitals and workplaces will be impacted, leaving many with limited access to transport.

Services to and from rural and coastal towns including Arran, Troon, and Irvine are expected to face the worst disruption while Stagecoach has said it will prioritise some hospital routes.

Mr Greene said: "This industrial action will leave large parts of the region without access to essential transport, placing a huge strain on communities.

"I urge both Stagecoach and Unite Union to return to negotiations and find a solution that avoids further disruption.

"Residents of North Ayrshire and Arran already suffer from poor local transport connections, but these strikes will leave many completely stranded.

"The Scottish Government must also show a leadership role here. It is of national interest and deserves national attention."

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "Following further discussions with Unite, our staff across Dumfries and Galloway have accepted a two year pay deal that will see their hourly rate of pay increase by nearly 12 per cent.

"Our Ayrshire staff have, however, rejected this same offer of 11.8 per cent, and despite our best efforts to reach an agreement and avoid industrial action we must now focus on putting practical plans in place to support our customers during this challenging period. We have a crucial role in helping people stay connected with their communities.

"We urge Unite to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table. Our commitment remains to reach a fair and sustainable agreement - one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across West Scotland."

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