HUNDREDS of Merseyside bus drivers are to stage a series of strikes in a dispute over pay.

Unite said almost 500 of its members working for Stagecoach in Liverpool will walk out from July 5-8 and 12-15, with the threat of a continuous strike if the row is not resolved.

The workers are angry over the huge disparity between their pay and that of Arriva Liverpool drivers. Arriva drivers are paid £1.40 more an hour, equating to around £3,000 a year, for performing the same role.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For too long, Stagecoach has got away with paying its Liverpool drivers on the cheap.

“This shows a total lack of respect and appreciation for its workers, without whom there would be no bus service, and for the communities on Merseyside who rely on their buses.

“Unite’s Liverpool Stagecoach members have their union’s total backing in striking for a fair pay rise.”

Unite regional officer Brian Troake added: “Our members have been forced into strike action by Stagecoach’s continued attempts to keep them on unfair rates of pay. Stagecoach owes the traveling public an abject apology for the disruption it will cause.

“Further industrial action could be avoided, but that requires Stagecoach to return to the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept.”