Travel Alert: Potential Bus Strikes in Cornwall Could Impact Travelers
Travelers planning to visit Cornwall this summer may face significant disruptions as approximately 250 Go Cornwall Bus drivers are being balloted for strike action over pay, according to an announcement by Unite, the UK’s leading union, on Monday, June 24. This potential strike could greatly affect bus services across the region, which is a popular tourist destination.
The primary concern stems from the pay disparity between Cornwall drivers and their counterparts in other regions. For example, Go Ahead drivers in Oxford earn £2.84 more per hour, while drivers in Brighton earn £1.83 more. Even with Go Ahead’s current 2024 offer, Cornwall drivers would still lag behind, earning £2.24 less than those in Oxford and £1.23 less than those in Brighton.
Cornwall drivers are demanding a 6.6 percent pay increase, bringing their hourly wage to £16 for 2024, instead of the £15.60 currently proposed by Go Ahead. This pay adjustment is critical for drivers who believe they deserve compensation equal to their peers in other regions.
The union highlighted that Go Cornwall Bus drivers are determined to achieve fair treatment, emphasizing the company's profitability and capacity to offer better wages. In March, Go Ahead reported revenues of £3.2 billion and profits of £89 million, underscoring its financial ability to meet the drivers' demands.
The ballot for industrial action will close on July 1, and if the strike proceeds, it could begin later next month, potentially causing significant inconvenience for travelers relying on bus services to explore Cornwall.
The union warned that Go Ahead's refusal to address the pay disparity could lead to chaos for the traveling public. Adding to the concern, around 350 Go Ahead Plymouth Bus drivers are also being balloted for strike action as part of the same dispute, suggesting a widespread issue within the company that could affect travel across multiple regions.
Travelers planning their journeys in Cornwall and Plymouth are advised to stay updated on the situation and consider alternative transportation options to avoid potential disruptions.