Bus Workers Strike to Disrupt Travel Plans in South West

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 12, 2024 22:30 PMNews
Share:
View of a historic street in the South West, showing buses, cars, and old buildings with a church in the background
Public transport disruptions ahead for South West travelers. Source: unsplash

Travelers in the South West are set to face significant disruptions as over 300 RMT union members at First South West have voted overwhelmingly for strike action due to unsuccessful pay negotiations with the company. The strike action is scheduled to take place for 48 hours starting Tuesday, July 23, and is expected to cause considerable inconvenience for those relying on bus services in the region.

Despite extensive negotiations, including sessions facilitated by ACAS, the company's proposals were rejected in a member referendum. This decision underscores the dissatisfaction among the workers with the pay offer from First South West, especially in light of the company's recent profit announcements.

This strike will significantly impact bus services across the region, causing inconvenience for travelers and tourists who rely on public transportation for their journeys. With First South West being a major provider of bus services, visitors to popular destinations in the South West will need to seek alternative travel arrangements. The disruption comes at a peak travel time in the summer, when many tourists plan to explore the scenic landscapes, historic sites, and coastal towns of the South West.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch expressed support for the ballot results, highlighting the frustration of union members who feel they are among the lowest-paid transport workers in the region. Lynch also criticized the company's pay offer as particularly insulting given the substantial bonuses awarded to First Group's top management, specifically highlighting the £800,000 bonus given to CEO Graham Sutherland.

The planned strike means tourists planning to visit destinations such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset should anticipate delays and disruptions. Popular tourist spots could see reduced bus services, affecting access to key attractions and local amenities. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and consider alternative transportation options, such as car rentals, rideshares, or regional train services.

RMT has expressed frustration with First South West's approach throughout the negotiations and has indicated that strike dates will be set if no negotiated settlement is reached. Lynch has called on First South West to return to the negotiating table with a meaningful offer that reflects the dedication and hard work of their members. The union remains committed to achieving a fair deal for its members and ensuring that the workers' expectations and needs are met.

Travelers should remain vigilant and plan accordingly to minimize the impact of the strike on their travel plans. Staying updated on the situation and being flexible with travel arrangements will be key to navigating this period of disruption in the South West.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Modern hotel room interior with bed, TV, and window view in Riyadh

New Radisson Blu Hotel Enhances Accommodation Options in Riyadh

Jul 30, 2025 23:37 PM
Cozy hotel room with wooden headboard and framed artwork above the bed

NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano Opens in Historic City Center

Jul 30, 2025 21:45 PM

Qatar Airways Boosts Winter Flights to Key Global Destinations

Jul 30, 2025 19:22 PM

ScotRail Boosts Late-Night Services to Ease Travel During Edinburgh Festivals

Jul 30, 2025 07:38 AM
Passenger using smartphone during flight

Two Tickets in One Click: JetBlue and United Simplify Complex Routes

Jul 29, 2025 23:43 PM
Bedroom interior with bedside table and lamp

Florø Prepares to Expand Accommodation Options for Visitors

Jul 29, 2025 21:36 PM
Southwest Airlines aircraft ascending with snowy mountains in the background

Southwest Changes Boarding Rules and Adds New Winter Destinations for 2026

Jul 29, 2025 19:28 PM
Modern hotel room with double bed, armchair, and wall art

Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa to Open in Town Center, Bringing New Stay Option to Anjuna

Jul 29, 2025 17:42 PM
Woman checking travel information on her phone during a flight

Philippine Airlines Introduces Pre-Flight Emails with Essential Travel Details

Jul 29, 2025 02:35 AM

Weekend Engineering Works to Affect Rail Access Between Stalybridge and Dewsbury

Jul 28, 2025 23:25 PM

New Non-Stop Route from Cape Town Opens Up Mauritius for Travelers

Jul 28, 2025 21:32 PM
A woman using her smartphone while sitting on public transport

East Midlands Railway Cuts Fares on Summer Routes Across UK

Jul 28, 2025 20:47 PM
Person using smartphone at airport

New Ryanair System Changes How Travellers Book Through Agencies

Jul 28, 2025 16:26 PM
Modern hotel room with large window and city view

Holiday Inn Express Brings Overnight Option to Changanassery’s Lively Local Streets

Jul 28, 2025 14:33 PM
American Airlines aircraft preparing for departure on the runway

Denver Departure Chaos: American Airlines Flight Evacuated After Smoke Alert

Jul 27, 2025 23:54 PM

Malaysia and Indonesia Open New Direct Air Routes to Simplify Travel to Borneo

Jul 27, 2025 20:31 PM

Rail Disruptions in Liguria: RFI Construction Projects Will Impact August Travel

Jul 26, 2025 23:41 PM
Condor Airbus A330neo with green and white striped livery on airport runway

New daily Condor flights reshape the flight map of Europe

Jul 26, 2025 21:37 PM
Airplane flying overhead against a partly cloudy sky

Gdańsk Opens New Direct Route to Agadir, Simplifying Travel to Morocco’s Coast

Jul 26, 2025 20:26 PM
China Airlines Airbus in flight with clear sky background

New Direct Flights Connect Taipei and Phoenix, Expanding Access to Southwest U.S. Destinations

Jul 26, 2025 19:43 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on tracks in South Wales

South Wales Rail Upgrades to Impact Travel Access in Early August

Jul 26, 2025 18:39 PM
easyJet aircraft on airport tarmac with boarding stairs

Euro Final in the Sky: easyJet to Announce Scores to Passengers During Flights

Jul 25, 2025 23:27 PM

Expect Delays: Leicester–Peterborough Line Closed 2 and 3 August

Jul 25, 2025 21:34 PM

Steam-Powered Day Trips from London Unlock Access to Britain’s Hidden Landscapes

Jul 25, 2025 20:42 PM
WestJet airplane in flight against a blue sky

New Air Partnership Opens More Direct Travel Routes Between North America and Africa

Jul 25, 2025 15:28 PM
Wizz Air aircraft approaching landing in clear sky

New Wizz Air Flights Open Southern Europe to Gdańsk Travellers

Jul 25, 2025 10:35 AM