Industrial action in Doncaster

Below are our latest statements on industrial action in Doncaster. Statements will be time-stamped as and when they are released.

UPDATED MONDAY 27 APRIL 9:30AM

First Bus has confirmed that Unite has agreed to call off its planned industrial action on Friday 1 May and will join talks at the arbitration service, ACAS.

Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire, said:

“We are ready to enter talks to seek a resolution and are pleased Unite has agreed to pause industrial action to enable negotiations to take place.

“Our latest pay offer includes an immediate seven per cent pay increase backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027."

First Bus advises customers to check travel today (27 April) and Wednesday 29 April as industrial action previously announced by Unite will take place in Doncaster. Unite has also announced it will continue with industrial action on Wednesday 6 May.

“We hope these talks will end the dispute and the harm and disruption it is causing to the daily lives of customers,” added Zoe Hands.

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UPDATED FRIDAY 24 APRIL 3:00PM

Comment in relation to letter sent to drivers

Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire:

“Unite is now refusing to pause industrial action to allow talks with the arbitration service, ACAS to help find an agreement.

“We have been clear that we will enter talks to seek a resolution but Unite wants to continue escalating and announce more dates for industrial action and this is leaving no room for reasonable negotiation to take place.

“This behaviour is not only aggressive, it shows Unite has no interest in ending this dispute and the harm and disruption it is causing to the daily lives of customers.

“Our latest pay offer includes an immediate seven per cent pay increase backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027.

“First Bus has been flexible to union demands to achieve the pay deal now on the table, yet Unite representatives have shown no willingness to move their position.” 

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UPDATED MONDAY 22 APRIL 10:30AM

On 22, 24, 27, 29 April and 1 May, our Doncaster services will be disrupted by industrial action. This will mean most services will run at a limited frequency, and regrettably, some services may not operate.

Today, Wednesday 22 April and Friday 24 April all school services we are responsible for will be running.

Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire, said:

“We are doing all we can with the resources we have to put buses on the road where possible and keep customers moving during industrial action, and importantly those who rely on us to make essential trips.

“Our latest pay offer includes an immediate seven per cent pay increase, more than double the current inflation rate, backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027.

“Because pay negotiations are conducted at different times across our depots, Doncaster and Sheffield drivers have different pay anniversary dates, so their rates are not always aligned, which is a normal part of the pay negotiation cycle across separate locations.

“First Bus has been flexible to union demands and made multiple offers, such that the pay deal now on the table is beyond what many workers are likely to see this year, yet Unite representatives have shown no willingness to move their position. Our door remains open for discussions to find an agreement and avoid any further unnecessary industrial action.”

Full details of services can be found on a dedicated page https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-yorkshire/news-and-service-updates/industrial-action-doncaster which will be updated regularly.

UPDATED FRIDAY 3 APRIL 9:00AM

First Bus reminds customers of limited services in Doncaster due to industrial action

Timetables for limited services on Tuesday 7 April
Customers urged to check before purchasing a ticket
Dedicated website page with details

First Bus is reminding customers that due to industrial action in Doncaster it will operate a limited service on Tuesday 7 April.

Customers are advised to check if a service is operating and any change to the frequency of trips.

Full details can be found on a dedicated page of its website https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-yorkshire/news-and-service-updates/industrial-action-doncaster which will be updated regularly.

Paul Keating, Head of Operations for First Bus in South Yorkshire, said: “We're reminding customers to think ahead for travel plans on the day after the long Easter Bank Holiday.

"Our team is continuing to do all we can to keep our customers moving, but there will inevitably be severe disruption and inconvenience. We apologise in advance to all our customers and appreciate their patience when travelling with us next Tuesday 7 April.”

Tickets purchased on a strike day will not be refunded and customers are advised to check if a service is operating. Customers with pre-bought tickets for strike dates will be given replacement tickets to use for future travel or offered a refund. The details of this will be announced when the industrial action has ended.

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Response to driver claims on overtime pay and other costs associated with running services

UPDATED WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 1:00PM

Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire, said:

“We are doing all we can with the resources we have to put buses on the road where possible and keep customers moving during industrial action, and importantly those who rely on us to make essential trips.

“We have volunteers supporting our Doncaster operations and this has meant covering certain costs to enable them to live and work away from home, in addition to extended working hours.

“Our latest pay offer includes an immediate seven per cent pay increase, more than double the current inflation rate, backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027."

She added: “Because pay negotiations are conducted at different times across our depots, Doncaster and Sheffield drivers have different pay anniversary dates, so their rates are not always aligned, which is a normal part of the pay negotiation cycle across separate locations.

“First Bus has been flexible to union demands and made multiple offers, such that the pay deal now on the table is beyond what many workers are likely to see this year, yet Unite representatives have shown no willingness to move their position. Our door remains open for discussions to find an agreement and avoid any further unnecessary industrial action.”

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UPDATED: THURSDAY 26 MARCH 8.45AM

First Bus announces limited services in Doncaster due to industrial action

Timetables for limited services on Saturday 28 March and Monday 30 March
Customers urged to check before purchasing a ticket
Dedicated website page with details

First Bus has announced that due to industrial action in Doncaster it will operate a limited service on Saturday 28 March and Monday 30 March.

Customers are advised to check if a service is operating and any change to the frequency of trips.

Full details can be found on a dedicated page of its website https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-yorkshire/news-and-service-updates/industrial-action-doncaster which will be updated regularly.

Paul Keating, Head of Operations for First Bus in South Yorkshire, said: “Our team is doing all we can to keep our customers moving, but there will inevitably be severe disruption and inconvenience. We apologise in advance to all our customers and appreciate their patience when travelling with us over the coming days.”

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UPDATED: WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 4.15PM

First Bus response to result of Unite ballot on Doncaster strike action

First Bus has confirmed that a pay offer to Unite members at its Doncaster depot has been rejected and industrial action is planned on 28 and 30 March and 7, 22 and 24 April.

Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire, said:

“We are very disappointed and saddened at the decision to go ahead with strikes.

“Industrial action will be damaging to everyone and cause severe disruption to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.

“We have met repeatedly with Unite representatives over the past six months and made numerous offers in our attempts to find an agreement.”

The latest pay offer from First Bus is includes an immediate seven per cent pay increase, more than double the current inflation rate, backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027.

Zoe Hands said: “This offer is among the best driver pay deals this year. We believe this reflects the vital role our drivers play while ensuring we can continue to provide reliable services for the thousands of people in Doncaster who depend on us every day.”

She added: “We fully recognise the strength of feeling of colleagues in Doncaster and we remain committed to working constructively with Union representatives to reach a fair and sustainable agreement.

“We are proud to provide industry-leading terms and conditions and have made significant investments to enhance working environments and colleague benefits.

“Our door remains open to continue discussions and avoid unnecessary industrial action.”

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