The “bus is a lifeline some locals” say residents as Arriva bus strike continues

A bus strike affecting services in Sale is set to continue this week after talks between the operator and unions once again broke down.

Arriva met with representatives from two unions, Unite and GMB, last week – 16 days after its drivers first took to the picket line on 20th July. 

According to Arriva, it improved on its offer from the last set of talks to break down on 1st August. But Arriva said the two unions did not even put this offer to their members and described the strike action as ‘inappropriate’.

Arriva said: “Despite further negotiations today and having done all we can to make another improved offer, the unions have once again chosen to walk away, causing further misery for our passengers.

“At this point, we are left questioning why they refuse to give their members the opportunity to vote on our offers, which would make our drivers the highest paid in the region.

“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.”

The Arriva strike is affecting the following bus routes for Sale: 

• 18 – Eccles – Trafford Park – Sale – Manchester Airport
• 19 – Altrincham – Sale – Sale Moor – Northern Moor – Wythenshawe
• 245 – Altrincham – Sale – Urmston – The Trafford Centre
• 263 – Altrincham – Sale – Stretford – Hulme – Piccadilly Gardens
• 280 (some services being covered by Goodwins) – Altrincham – Mossbrow – Partington – Carrington – Sale
• 281 (some services being covered by Goodwins) – Altrincham – Broadheath – Brooklands – Sale Moor – Sale

Local residents have started to offer lifts to those who usually rely on the local buses to get into Sale for shopping or medical appointments, with one local highlighting that those who live in Sale West are most affected, due to the bus routes not currently available.