Bus services are returning to normal today following the latest wave of industrial action, but the war of words has continued between the Department of Infrastructure and the union representing striking drivers.
Unite the Union has accused the department of being “disingenuous” in its public statements regarding pay negotiations, insisting that any proposed increase should not come at the cost of existing contractual protections.
Debbie Halsall of Unite the Union confirmed that talks are continuing through the Manx Industrial Relations Service (MIRS).
“It is important to clarify that while the Department of Infrastructure has publicly suggested negotiations have been taking place with Bus Vannin, the recent meetings have been held with MIRS as the independent mediator, not with Bus Vannin or the Department directly,” Ms Halsall said. “Suggesting otherwise is disingenuous.”
Proposal
According to the union, the proposal currently being discussed is conditional on drivers relinquishing a number of terms and conditions, including the consolidation of allowances and changes to established working arrangements.
“Drivers have been clear throughout that any pay increase should stand on its own merit and should not be dependent on removing existing contractual protections,” Ms Halsall said.
In an effort to move discussions forward, drivers submitted structured proposals aimed at creating a transparent base rate, but Ms Halsall confirmed those were rejected. “The drivers’ position remains straightforward,” she said. “The objective is to secure a proper base rate for the job, remove the long-standing two-tier structure and ensure transparency in the pay framework going forward.”
Willing
However, Bus Vannin has presented a different view of the negotiations, stating it remains “ready and willing” to find a resolution.
A spokesperson for Bus Vannin said: “The Unite the Union strike is a demand for higher payments for working unsociable hours including the weekends, above and beyond the shift disturbance allowance currently being paid.
“The department is open to this suggestion in return for modernised working practices.”
Bus Vannin said that another offer was made on Friday, which it said would give an average of £1,180 per year in addition to the annual pay award, equivalent to a 7% increase this year.
In return, the department is seeking modernisation, including monthly pay and shift rostering a month in advance.
The department also pushed back against claims regarding its engagement in the process.
“Representatives of Bus Vannin have attended all scheduled negotiations and have not imposed any preconditions on participation,” the spokesperson said. “Any suggestion that the department made offers by telephone is incorrect.”
Further strike action is scheduled for every weekend in March, from Friday to Monday, with the next walkout set to begin on Friday March 13.
Contingency timetables will remain in operation, with no school buses, though the electric trams will continue to run.