ARRIVA bus drivers in Wirral, Merseyside and Manchester are set to begin strike action this weekend in a pay dispute.

Unite said Arriva North West voted unanimously in favour of all-out strike action, which is due to take place on Saturday.

The ballot of 1,800 staff, based at depots in Birkenhead, St Helens, Liverpool, Southport, Winsford and Manchester, resulted in an 87 per cent vote in favour of strike action, with a turnout of 76 per cent.

Pay negotiations between Unite and Arriva North West have been running since June. 

In a statement, Arriva said they were disappointed that a strike was planned for this weekend, but added that talks were ongoing to avert the action. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The last thing our members want to do is cause disruption to the public, but they have been forced into this position by Arriva's outright refusal to negotiate in good faith.

"They have the full backing of their union, Unite, in their fight for a pay rise that reflects their worth. 

"Arriva still has time to avoid these strikes, which is why I am urging the company to table a much stronger offer."

Unite regional officer Alison Spencer-Scragg said: "Unite's reps have bent over backwards during negotiations to find a way forward that would avoid strike action.

Talks went down to the wire last week, but Arriva’s unsatisfactory last minute offer means strikes are likely to begin this weekend.

"Bus drivers were rightly hailed as heroes during the worst days of the pandemic and our members believe that Arriva should make an offer that reflects this."

An Arriva UK Bus spokesperson said: "We are disappointed to hear that despite further talks with our Trade Unions and an improved offer, which would mean our employees remain the highest paid in the region, they have informed us that they still intend to strike from Saturday, October 30 at 3am. 

"We are working on contingency plans to ensure customers can access the bus services they need via other transport operators.  

"Arriva's pay remains market leading and we firmly believe that our offer to increase pay is highly competitive and very fair at a time when bus passenger levels remains lower than pre-Covid levels. 

"Arriva wants to resolve this matter and discussions continue this week."