Glasgow bus drivers' union seeks talks with management

A total of 1,700 members will be consulted after concerns were raised concerning a substantial shortage of drivers which is resulting in a detrimental impact in the service provided to the public.

First Glasgow successfully bid for a temporary contract in February which will be effective in the coming weeks during the underground repairs in Glasgow, but the company’s attempts to employ temporary drivers for this contract has failed, putting further pressure on the existing workforce.

Over the last year the recruitment and retention of drivers has steadily deteriorated with up to one hundred drivers required across the Glasgow operation.

Unite is requesting urgent talks with the company to discuss a number of underlying issues such as starter rates and progression of new drivers.

Wendy Dunsmore Unite Regional Officer said: “Unite members in First Glasgow should be congratulated as they are being pro-active in protecting jobs, customers and communities. It is a pity First Glasgow don’t have the same commitment and we urge the company to meet with union representatives at the earliest opportunity to resolve a number of underlying issues for the benefit of the workforce, the company and the public.”