ARRIVA bus drivers on Wirral and across the northwest are to continue with strike action after talks aimed at settling a pay dispute broke down again today.

It follows what unions have called a 'poor' pay offer.

Around 1,800 workers for the bus operator returned a 96% yes vote in favour of the industrial action that began on Wednesday, July 20. The action is in response to what union bosses have called a "pitiful" pay offer.

At the start, it was warned that the strike - which is now into its third week - could go on "indefinitely".

During talks today Arriva bosses offered just 0.4% point shift on initial offer

The transport giant offered an 8.9% rise, when the initial rejected offer was 8.5%. Also on the table was a non-consolidated £250 one off bonus.

When approached, an Arriva spokesperson said there would be no comment on the situation today, but added that an updated statement will be issued in the coming days.

George Patterson, GMB regional organiser, said: "Working people are facing the worst cost of living crisis for a generation. A real terms pay cut will not cut it.

"We need to see serious shifts from Arriva or bus drivers will have no choice but to strike.

"We approached these negotiations in good faith. Trifling offers from Arriva simply aren’t good enough."

In a statement last week, the company said: "We would like to apologise to our passengers for the ongoing disruption that this dispute is causing to their everyday lives.

"On our side, we are acting in good faith and doing all we can to find a resolution.

"We urge Unite and GMB to do the same, reconsider their position, call an end to inappropriate strike action and give their members the opportunity to ballot on our latest offers."