Liverpool Travelers Face Disruptions as Bus Drivers Plan Summer Strikes
Visitors to Liverpool this summer might need to adjust their travel plans as nearly 500 Stagecoach bus drivers are set to escalate their pay dispute with a series of strikes. The industrial action, announced by Unite, the UK's leading union, will cause significant disruptions to the city's bus services.
The strikes are scheduled for July 5-8 and July 12-15, with a potential for continuous strikes if Stagecoach fails to meet the drivers' demands for fair pay. This pay dispute centers around a significant wage gap between Stagecoach and Arriva Liverpool drivers, with Stagecoach drivers earning £1.40 less per hour, equating to about £3,000 less annually.
Travelers relying on Liverpool's bus services should be prepared for potential delays and cancellations. Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, criticized Stagecoach for underpaying its drivers and urged the company to address this disparity to prevent further inconvenience to the public.
Stagecoach has reported substantial revenues, with a notable increase from £669.6 million to £773.2 million in the half-year ending on October 28, 2023. Despite its financial success, the company has yet to resolve the pay issues that have led to the planned strikes.
Unite regional officer Brian Troake expressed that the drivers were left with no choice but to strike due to Stagecoach’s reluctance to offer fair pay. He advised travelers to plan alternative transport arrangements during the strike periods and called on Stagecoach to apologize for the disruptions caused.
For tourists visiting Liverpool, the impact of these strikes can be significant. Many popular tourist attractions such as the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Beatles Story museum rely heavily on the bus network for accessibility. The strikes may lead to longer waiting times, overcrowded alternative transport options, and potential changes in planned itineraries. It's advisable for visitors to check bus schedules frequently, plan for extra travel time, and consider alternative modes of transportation, such as taxis, rideshares, or walking tours, to navigate the city during the strike days.
Additionally, those traveling to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport might face challenges if their journey involves bus transfers. Considering the possible delays, travelers should allocate extra time to reach the airport and explore different transport options to avoid missing flights.