Industrial action in south and west Wales - 2025

Updated: Wednesday 19th November at 10am

Industrial action suspended until 7/12/25

Doug Claringbold, the Managing Director for First Bus Cymru, said:

“We would like to thank ACAS and our Unite the Union colleagues for the constructive talks on planned industrial action across Wales. As a result, Unite have agreed to suspend planned industrial action, pending a ballot to members on a revised pay offer.

“This has been an extensive negotiation process where we have listened to Unite member feedback and made several offers in order to try and reach an agreement.

“Our services will continue to run as planned, which is great news for customers who rely on us to get to work, school and other important events and appointments.” 

Updated: Wednesday 5th November at 7pm

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru said: “We, like our customers, are deeply frustrated that the union has announced two full months of strikes in south and west Wales from November 20 and continuing right through to January 21. These are unnecessary and, most importantly, they will be hugely disruptive to our customers during the festive period when many hope to use buses to shop, meet friends and family and enjoy Christmas parties. It is within the hands of the union to stop this action.

“We have always maintained an open dialogue with the union and while they continue to reject our offers we still hope to find a solution to encourage the union to call off their strikes.

“We have been committed to improving the pay of drivers, and alongside our above inflation offer, we continue to invest in staff facilities and conditions, and a range of benefits, including healthcare schemes.

“We will continue to keep as many services running as possible, but announcing even more strikes is severely disrupting the public’s travel plans and damaging the reputation of bus travel in Wales.  

“Our revised timetables will be available on our website shortly, and we will review these over the coming weeks to ensure we get as many buses out as possible for our customers. We encourage customers to check our website for more details before travelling.”

Updated: Friday 24th October at 3.45pm

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said: “We are disappointed for our customers that the above inflation pay offer we made to our colleagues, including drivers, has been rejected and that they will now face disruption. 

“Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to Unite the Union member feedback and made a number of offers in order to try and settle this dispute, to ensure customers who rely on our services are not affected by strike action. 

“Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite the Union has decided to press ahead with strikes, affecting our customers. Our door remains open to negotiation.

"We will shortly provide further information on our website about which services will be affected."

Updated: Friday 17th October at 2pm

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said: “We are pleased that the union has decided to suspend its planned strikes for four days from October 22 while its members consider our new pay offer. We have always committed to working with Unite the Union to try and settle this dispute to avoid unnecessary disruption to customers. We hope for a favourable outcome so we’re able to keep our buses on the road and continue serving our customers. 

"We are continuing to monitor the union's plans for two four-day strikes from October 30 and November 5, and will post updates on our website shortly."

Updated: Wednesday 15th October at 12pm

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said: “We are disappointed for our customers that the above inflation pay offer we have made to colleagues has been rejected and that they will now face disruption across south and west Wales.

“Throughout an extensive negotiation process we have listened to Unite member feedback and made a number of offers in order to try and reach an agreement so that customers who rely on our services are not affected by strike action. 

“Unfortunately, the union has decided to press ahead with strikes over the coming weeks, including during the half term holiday. Our door remains open to continue discussions and avoid unnecessary disruption. We will shortly provide further information on our website about which services will be affected if the planned action takes place.”