Fresh Talks Today But Bus Strike Resumes

Island bus drivers are back on strike again today (Friday) as the long-running dispute between the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) and Unite the Union rumbles on.

The latest round of industrial action began this morning, with disruption expected to continue unless the two sides can finally reach an agreement.

But there is at least a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as both parties are due to sit down for more talks today with the Manx Industrial Relations Service (MIRS) in an attempt to break the stalemate.

Speaking in the House of Keys earlier this week, the DoI’s political member Joney Faragher admitted the negotiations are still some way from being resolved.

She told MHKs that despite ongoing discussions facilitated by MIRS, the two sides remain ‘a long way apart’ on key issues including pay and drivers’ terms and conditions.

The government revealed earlier this week that it made a fresh pay offer to drivers at the end of last week.

The proposal would give drivers an average of £1,180 on top of the standard pay award, roughly a seven per cent increase this year.

However, the row isn’t just about pay. The dispute also centres on proposed changes to drivers’ contracts and working arrangements.

The DoI says it continues to honour two ‘legacy’ contracts held by longer-serving drivers, while a different contract is available for new recruits.

Meanwhile, Unite says negotiations have not progressed as hoped, with the union claiming it has been ‘stonewalled’ during talks.

The ongoing strike action has already caused disruption across the island in recent weeks.

Drivers first walked out for 10 days between February 22 and March 3, before a second round of strikes took place last weekend through to early Tuesday.

And the impact is being felt elsewhere too.

One of the island’s largest taxi firms, Elegance Taxis, says it has seen demand jump by nearly 40% during the strike periods.

More strike dates are already scheduled for later this month, meaning further disruption could be on the cards unless today’s talks manage to move things forward.