Unite the Union has rejected what it describes as a weakened pay offer from Bus Vannin, as the 10-day drivers’ strike heads towards its fifth day.
The union’s regional coordinating officer, Debbie Halsall, said the latest proposal was delivered informally and 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.”
Contingency
The industrial action, which began on Saturday, has disrupted services across the island, though the Department of Infrastructure has implemented contingency timetables to maintain limited links to Noble’s Hospital and main commuter routes .
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall told the House of Keys the contingency plans had been “successful”, but acknowledged service levels had varied.
Further talks were held on Tuesday afternoon, though Unite stressed that “no new offer” had been tabled prior to the meeting .
Ms Halsall moved to clarify the reasoning behind the walkout, stressing the dispute is not solely about immediate financial gain.
“For those asking why drivers are striking — this is why,” she said. “This dispute is not about grabbing a bonus.
“It is about fair, consolidated and pensionable pay, parity across the team, and proper recognition of all hours worked.”
She added that the action follows years of unresolved issues. “Drivers are working 40–45 hours a week on a flat rate. Conditions have shifted over time.
“These issues have been building for years. Our members did not vote for industrial action on a whim. They voted because negotiations have not delivered a fair and sustainable outcome.”
Despite the rejection, Ms Halsall confirmed the union remains open to dialogue.
“We remain willing to meet and resolve this properly. But offering less than before does not move this dispute forward.”