Bus drivers could stage 20 days of further strike action unless there is a breakthrough in talks.
Last night Unite the Union revealed it had rejected the latest pay offer from the Department of Infrastructure/Bus Vannin.
The DoI said that following this year’s 3% pay settlement, Unite “asked for changes to drivers’ terms and conditions that would have the effect of significantly increasing pay”.
It added that the union has informed it of planned strikes future that will happen on:
• 6 March – 10 March 2026
• 13 March – 17 March 2026
• 20 March – 24 March 2026
• 27 March – 31 March 2026
Offer
The Department of Infrastructure said it has made six pay offers to try to settle the dispute and that it has “actively and positively engaged in this discussion on the basis that some working practices change, leading to improved operational efficiency”.
Negotiations are continuing with the support of the Manx Industrial Relations Service.
The DoI said that the average bus driver has a median pay of £36,000 per year.
It added: “The department must ensure good value on behalf of the taxpaying public, whilst ensuring fair salary is on offer to bus drivers. The bus vannin service is subsidised by the taxpayer by about £7m a year.”
Dismissed
Last night’s Unite’s regional coordinating officer, Debbie Halsall, told Manx.News that the latest proposal was dismissed immediately.
“Today we received what Bus Vannin are calling an ‘offer’. It was delivered over the phone. We rejected it,” Ms Halsall said.
“It is weaker than the position discussed last week. It includes a one-off payment and adjustments within the existing structure, but it keeps a two-tier system in place and does not deal with the core issues.”
The department said contingency plans, with public support, have been successful, despite a flurry of comments on social media about people turning up for buses that haven’t arrived.
The department said it “cannot give a running commentary on the negotiations but it remains fully committed to engaging with Unite at any time on proposals that could form an acceptable and affordable settlement”.