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Stagecoach South West bus drivers have voted 'overwhelmingly' for both strike action and action short of a strike over pay.

More than 78 per cent of RMT members’ voted for strike action whilst nearly 90 per cent voted for action short of a strike.

Transport Union RMT members are angry that the company has tabled a pay and conditions package that 'doesn’t even keep pace with the Retail Price Index' and which 'would condemn a key group of transport staff who are already on low pay levels to a de facto pay cut.'

They say today's inflation rise has rubbed yet more salt in the wound.

The dispute involves over 750 bus drivers, cleaners and engineering grades at the Exeter, Torquay and Barnstaple garages.

Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said "We have received no notification of any strike action at this stage. Our door remains open for discussions and we will be doing everything possible to find a solution that avoids any impact on our customers.



"We have made several offers over a number of months which aim to deliver a deal which seeks to meet the union's aspirations while maintaining the future sustainability of the bus network



"It is in the best interests of employees, our customers and our business that we work together to reach an agreement that does not disrupt vital transport links for the local community. As such, I remain committed to continuing an honest and open dialogue with the RMT so we can resolve this situation as swiftly as possible."

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Bus workers in the South West provide an essential service across a wide geographical area and they deserve a fair deal on pay. At the moment they are being offered a package that stacks up to a de facto pay cut and RMT’s executive has agreed with our local branches that that is entirely unacceptable.

“RMT negotiators have made every effort in talks to reach a negotiated settlement but the company have come up well short of what our members both expect and deserve for the hard work they put in day in and day out.

"The RMT National Executive Committee will now meet to decide what action to take given this massive mandate from our members. As ever, RMT remains available for serious and meaningful talks.”