Bus drivers set to strike (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

I'm sure most people would want a 4.5% increase but they just aint going to get it.

I have some sympathy on this occasion though as First have whacked up their prices to "reflect" increases in fuel but haven't bought the prices down now that fuel prices have plummeted.

Therefore First are sitting on a tidy margin.

In First's defence (if they have one) I would be pointing out that inflation is forecast to drop significantly.

Let's face it at least they are being offered some increase. Some companies in the current climate are freezing pay and if their staff don't like it then they can get another job............thing is there aren't many about.

I'm surprised the drivers can afford to give up 3 days pay a week before xmas !!

I would love to have a payrise of any sort - our company haven't given one for two years now but you know what? We don't go on strike.

If this strike goes ahead then my ability to get to work will be zero which means I wont be paid for however many days it lasts for.

So I hope these bus drivers remember that seeing as they are being offered some sort of increase - what they do has a far reaching effect.

I wonder if I will be entitled to some sort of refund on the £71.55 a month I currently pay for my travelcard seeing as it will be useless on those days?

If they do get the rise then I hope that the buses start to run to time and that some of the surly, bad mannered drivers that seem to be around actually cheer up.

Thanks - I get my bus pass on the 15th!!

Whoever their union bosses are have lost their tiny little minds. They cannot possibly expect pubic sympathy, deserving or not.

God, I realy am beginning to hate the word 'climate'.

angel_x wrote:
I would love to have a payrise of any sort - our company haven't given one for two years now but you know what? We don't go on strike. If this strike goes ahead then my ability to get to work will be zero which means I wont be paid for however many days it lasts for. So I hope these bus drivers remember that seeing as they are being offered some sort of increase - what they do has a far reaching effect. I wonder if I will be entitled to some sort of refund on the £71.55 a month I currently pay for my travelcard seeing as it will be useless on those days? If they do get the rise then I hope that the buses start to run to time and that some of the surly, bad mannered drivers that seem to be around actually cheer up.

It may cost a bit more but there are taxis. You could always share a taxi as well if anyone else travels by bus.

screw first, i only use the 662!!the only reason i use first is if the 662 is coming later.

WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP PICKING ON THESE BUS DRIVERS WHY NOT SPEND A LITTLE TIME AND LOOK INTO THE REAL JOB INVOLVED. WOULD YOU LIKE THE HASSLE THEY GET DAY IN DAY OUT FROM THE PASSENGERS OF BRADFORD WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF OUR SOME OF THE TOWN TREATS THEM SPITTING AT THEM THROWING BRICKS ,EGGS AND MISSILES AT THEM

The bus drivers may have all that happen to them but its not much fun being passengers either. I have to pay for the privilage of often having disgustingly unclean people next to me, drunk people, people who swear at me for no reason or get abusive because I ignore them and the most "pleasant" of all some guy who seemed to enjoy rubbing his leg up and down against mine for a cheap thrill and then had a go at me when I told him to cut it out.

Anyhow the issue is the fact that they are being offered a pay rise its not as if they are being offered nothing at all. If they think that having a pay rise of some sort is a poverty payrise then they should try living in the current climate not having had any extra money for two years.

i'm not even getting a pay rise to pay the rise in bus fares!

MR BEE wrote:
WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP PICKING ON THESE BUS DRIVERS WHY NOT SPEND A LITTLE TIME AND LOOK INTO THE REAL JOB INVOLVED. WOULD YOU LIKE THE HASSLE THEY GET DAY IN DAY OUT FROM THE PASSENGERS OF BRADFORD WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF OUR SOME OF THE TOWN TREATS THEM SPITTING AT THEM THROWING BRICKS ,EGGS AND MISSILES AT THEM

This post is completely & utterly irrelevant to the topic being discussed.Yes, it is awful that there is such a lack of respect from a minority of the public but presumably their pay already reflects this hence their failure to seek alternative employment in better times

So that means my bus sin't going to come 20 mins late as usual from Bradford Interchange then? Of course not. I'd love a job thats going to £10 per hour, to run a bus service that can't run on time.........is filthy and resembles a third world country. Maybe Metro should grow some balls and terminate it's contract for First to run busses

I am one of the drivers at first Bradford that will be going on strike.
Please keep in mind this payrise was supposed to be settled over 8 months ago, the company have deliberatly delayed it and dragged it out for over 8 months now in the hope they can short change us, like the way they short change the passengers. We at bradford are the lowest paid bus drivers in west yorkshire, can u all say that is fair? reguardless of what the pay is, I would really like to see many of you drive some of our buses on the routes we do such as ravenscliffe, holmewood, bradford moor, red light districts late at night etc and put up with the grief that we face on a daily basis, assaults, robberys,threats, guns and knives pointed at us, windows smashed, being spat at, eggs smashed in our faces. These are no exageration. AND YOU WONDER WHY WE SOMETIMES RUN LATE!
And to respond to the comment about the cleanliness of our buses... who makes that mess? The driver? no thought not.. YOU the passenger makes it!

In May 2009 negotiations will commence for our next payrise!
Merry Christmas!!

How about when the 2nd bus of the day doesn't even turn up cause not enough drivers can be bothered to get out of bed. I think if they get their 10quid they should pay me for lost earnings

firstbusdriver wrote:
I am one of the drivers at first Bradford that will be going on strike. Please keep in mind this payrise was supposed to be settled over 8 months ago, the company have deliberatly delayed it and dragged it out for over 8 months now in the hope they can short change us, like the way they short change the passengers. We at bradford are the lowest paid bus drivers in west yorkshire, can u all say that is fair? reguardless of what the pay is, I would really like to see many of you drive some of our buses on the routes we do such as ravenscliffe, holmewood, bradford moor, red light districts late at night etc and put up with the grief that we face on a daily basis, assaults, robberys,threats, guns and knives pointed at us, windows smashed, being spat at, eggs smashed in our faces. These are no exageration. AND YOU WONDER WHY WE SOMETIMES RUN LATE! And to respond to the comment about the cleanliness of our buses... who makes that mess? The driver? no thought not.. YOU the passenger makes it! In May 2009 negotiations will commence for our next payrise! Merry Christmas!!

Its wrong that the drivers have to put up with so much but you take the job on knowing what you are getting into,with draw services in the troubled areas after 18.30,stop moaning and get on with your job or get another job

firstbusdriver wrote:
I am one of the drivers at first Bradford that will be going on strike.
Please keep in mind this payrise was supposed to be settled over 8 months ago, the company have deliberatly delayed it and dragged it out for over 8 months now in the hope they can short change us, like the way they short change the passengers. We at bradford are the lowest paid bus drivers in west yorkshire, can u all say that is fair? reguardless of what the pay is, I would really like to see many of you drive some of our buses on the routes we do such as ravenscliffe, holmewood, bradford moor, red light districts late at night etc and put up with the grief that we face on a daily basis, assaults, robberys,threats, guns and knives pointed at us, windows smashed, being spat at, eggs smashed in our faces. These are no exageration. AND YOU WONDER WHY WE SOMETIMES RUN LATE!
And to respond to the comment about the cleanliness of our buses... who makes that mess? The driver? no thought not.. YOU the passenger makes it!

In May 2009 negotiations will commence for our next payrise!
Merry Christmas!!

It is more than likely what you say about pay is true but this is completely the wrong time to ask for it. I have absolutely on doubt that your other comments are spot on.

WRONG TIME TO ASK FOR IT???? what... The beginning of MAY 2008! its the company that have delayed it this long! and I am paid to drive a bus and collect fares, not to take abuse on a daily basis from low live's like you. Fireworks thrown in our cabs, snow and ice thrown at us is the latest craze, You people really need to get out more if you all think £10 per hour is a lot of money for the job we do. You have really no idea! Just because you are probably only caperble of earning minimum wage, please spare us of this jealous attitude! The original offer we were offered wasnt what the papers reported, we are wanting 4.5% back dated from the beginning of may. Its the back pay the drivers are wanting, the paper doesnt mention that, because the company are only willing to back date 3.5% from august, You do the maths!

In a way what most people are mad about is that fares are going to go up yet again in the new year like they always do, and to be honest, we don't see the benfits of it. We had a driver the other week be very rude and smartmouthed to us when we were only enquiring about return tickets. A lot of them do need lessons in politeness.

I use the 662 service a lot more these days and can safely say the buses are generally cleaner, better, and the drivers are much more polite and just all round nice people. I've lost count of the number of times other drivers have set off when theyre still taking fares. Or just driving like general idiots. One time on thornton road this one drove right past some people waiting, but was forced to stop at a red light shortly after. They caught up and were banging on the door shouting at him why he didnt stop, and he said "theres another one coming in a minute".

That free bus service is a load of nonsense. Its like another freebie for dossers; a free bus around the city centre for people who don't want to pay or who can't be bothered walking. Wonder where the money comes from... Oh thats right, hiking up fares for those who do pay every day.

So to bluntly put it; while people do sympathise with the drivers, they fear a pay rise probably won't come without having to put fares up.

How are First are allowed to get away with paying Bradford drivers less than the Halifax and Leeds ones?

Holding the compant to ramsom...sack the lot of them, i am sure in this CLIMATE we can find plenty who will do the job for less. Who do they think they are....no skills...no qualifications.

firstbusdriver wrote:
WRONG TIME TO ASK FOR IT???? what... The beginning of MAY 2008! its the company that have delayed it this long! and I am paid to drive a bus and collect fares, not to take abuse on a daily basis from low live's like you. Fireworks thrown in our cabs, snow and ice thrown at us is the latest craze, You people really need to get out more if you all think £10 per hour is a lot of money for the job we do. You have really no idea! Just because you are probably only caperble of earning minimum wage, please spare us of this jealous attitude! The original offer we were offered wasnt what the papers reported, we are wanting 4.5% back dated from the beginning of may. Its the back pay the drivers are wanting, the paper doesnt mention that, because the company are only willing to back date 3.5% from august, You do the maths!

Woops, you've picked on the wrong person.

I am a graduate & have worked in Property Law for over 10 years. So, yes, I am capable of earning a little more than the minimum wage.

I am currently surviving on Disability Living Allowance & other benefits as my legand ankle were irreparably smashed into many pieces in an accident. NO, I didn't sue anyone. I have however learned what it is like to survive on a weekly budget far less than yours for over 18 months now. So I think I know both sides of the coin. No holidays, fancy TV, bottles of wine or weekly takeaway treat nowadays.

I had a great deal of respect for Bus Drivers until a little while ago when I saw your delightful message. So, you wanted an above inflation rise and now are being offered a little less. Take it! However, I rather get the feeling it would never be enough.

Yes, we have some you scum on our streets and you unforunately are on the front-line. You were never press-ganged into the job and frankly should cherish your job amidst the lay-offs and bankruptcies around us. I, by the way, contrary to your accusation, have never thrown a missile at a bus or any other object other than darts and javelins shot puts etc... back in my school days.

I am shocked that the thugs you deal with are treated so leniently when caught & even more amazed that so few are caught. I am horrifed that they grow up with so little respect for those around them.

You have done yourself and your co-workers a great dis-service as the few who read this will have a little less respect for the person behind the wheel next time they syep onto a bus. And those few readers will tell those they come into contact with and so on.

If one of those people was one of your bosses then I think your rat quite frankly amounts to mis-conduct if they can trace you. You never know, if I haven't stopped shaking by the morning I may well draw their attention to it.

Why Chose CHRISTmas time?

Dr Evil - Saltaire.
Sir.. please look at it from drivers point of view for just one moment.
To be frank, I am fed up of other people putting bus drivers down and insinuating that all bus drivers are rude, dirty, unintelligent dregs on society that want to hold the world to ransom, read some of the comments... and please tell me what your response would be to some of the comments.
I have not insulted you, nor have i insulted anyone else who has commented on this topic, my last comment was certainly not aimed at yourself. I have simply tried to make some readers aware of the situation from the bus drivers perspective. However I apologise if you or anyone else has taken offense to my comments. I suppose I'm offended too easily.

Not one driver at First Bradford wants to go on strike and lose 3 days pay. Especially with it being so close to christmas, we feel we have been forced into a situation where there is no other option. Many drivers I used to work with have now transferred to other districts as a result of the lower pay and working conditions we put up with.
All we ask for is to have our pay on par with that of other drivers in west yorkshire, even with the payrise we will still be the lowest paid drivers in west yorkshire.

I also Graduated at Leeds Met University quite a few years ago now but needed a change in career due to personal circumstances. I chose to work at first because of the flexible working hours.

99% of the bus drivers don't give a toss about the way they drive in Bradford. Lets take this morning for instance. The bus that I was on, the driver thought it was ok to stop in the middle of the road to talk to the other driver (and it was nothing to do with the bus route), then when leaving a stop thought it was ok just to set off leaving an old woman that had just got on the bus on the floor (oh and the driver didn't give a toss), but hey not to worry because of his actions this old woman had now got 7 stiches in her leg.

So I've but a complaint into First (which I doubt nothing will happen) and the police seemed to be very interested.

99% of the bus drivers don't give a toss about the way they drive in Bradford. Lets take this morning for instance. The bus that I was on, the driver thought it was ok to stop in the middle of the road to talk to the other driver (and it was nothing to do with the bus route), then when leaving a stop thought it was ok just to set off leaving an old woman that had just got on the bus on the floor (oh and the driver didn't give a toss), but hey not to worry because of his actions this old woman had now got 7 stiches in her leg.

So I've but a complaint into First (which I doubt nothing will happen) and the police seemed to be very interested.

Dr Evil wrote:

firstbusdriver wrote: WRONG TIME TO ASK FOR IT???? what... The beginning of MAY 2008! its the company that have delayed it this long! and I am paid to drive a bus and collect fares, not to take abuse on a daily basis from low live's like you. Fireworks thrown in our cabs, snow and ice thrown at us is the latest craze, You people really need to get out more if you all think £10 per hour is a lot of money for the job we do. You have really no idea! Just because you are probably only caperble of earning minimum wage, please spare us of this jealous attitude! The original offer we were offered wasnt what the papers reported, we are wanting 4.5% back dated from the beginning of may. Its the back pay the drivers are wanting, the paper doesnt mention that, because the company are only willing to back date 3.5% from august, You do the maths!

Woops, you've picked on the wrong person. I am a graduate & have worked in Property Law for over 10 years. So, yes, I am capable of earning a little more than the minimum wage. I am currently surviving on Disability Living Allowance & other benefits as my legand ankle were irreparably smashed into many pieces in an accident. NO, I didn't sue anyone. I have however learned what it is like to survive on a weekly budget far less than yours for over 18 months now. So I think I know both sides of the coin. No holidays, fancy TV, bottles of wine or weekly takeaway treat nowadays. I had a great deal of respect for Bus Drivers until a little while ago when I saw your delightful message. So, you wanted an above inflation rise and now are being offered a little less. Take it! However, I rather get the feeling it would never be enough. Yes, we have some you scum on our streets and you unforunately are on the front-line. You were never press-ganged into the job and frankly should cherish your job amidst the lay-offs and bankruptcies around us. I, by the way, contrary to your accusation, have never thrown a missile at a bus or any other object other than darts and javelins shot puts etc... back in my school days. I am shocked that the thugs you deal with are treated so leniently when caught & even more amazed that so few are caught. I am horrifed that they grow up with so little respect for those around them. You have done yourself and your co-workers a great dis-service as the few who read this will have a little less respect for the person behind the wheel next time they syep onto a bus. And those few readers will tell those they come into contact with and so on. If one of those people was one of your bosses then I think your rat quite frankly amounts to mis-conduct if they can trace you. You never know, if I haven't stopped shaking by the morning I may well draw their attention to it.

Dr Evil I hope you get better soon and can return to your normal life.
To Mr Bus Driver - Your arrogance has done you no service. Ordinary hard working people are being put to inconvenience so that you and co-workers can get a higher rate pay rise. Has it not dawned on you that some people no longer have jobs, most people have not had pay rises at all. Have you worked it out how long it will take you to get back your loss of earnings? Fools Folly comes to mind.

Think about a pay rise when you can provide a service, at the moment you can't do that on ANY of the routes

As Bradford bus drivers we do not wish to inconvenience the general public of Bradford in the run up to the festive season and lose three days pay as well. I would like your readers to see our point of view. The last six months accounts posted by First March to September 2008 show a substantial increase in profits. Dividends to Shareholders also show a substantial increase.
Fares which increased earlier this year were more than double the rate of inflation and the current wage offer on the table 3.7% is under the rate of inflation.
First in Bradford is a successful depot and as drivers we feel we should be rewarded for our efforts as well as shareholders and be treated equally.
I hope that commonsense will prevail and the intended industrial action planned will not go ahead so we can all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

has a bradford busdriver ive read through your comments.just because a handful of you have had a bad experience you slate us all the same.try driving a bus for one day when i first took the job on i was'nt aware of the abuse i was about to take on board.ive been spat at ive been punched ive had windows broken ive had eggs thrown at me and for what because im a busdriver.all in a days work i guess.merry christmas all.

I'm sorry, but the prices that a BUS DRIVER is paid is phenemonally ridiculous. True, some of the areas of Bradford are not what could be called pleasant, but it remains to be said that they simply drive a bus through the city's streets. Skills to drive a bus: a license, ability to work the ticket machines, and an ounce of common sense - however, it is debatable whether any of Bradford's bus drivers own any of that valuable substance! So, the real question is whether the bus drivers should be getting a payrise in the first place. This is childish behaviour spurred on by the fact that bus drivers in Halifax and Leeds get £10.00!!! As many of the commenters above have stated, the state of the Bradford Public Transport Network is a disgrace; a filthy, developing world-esque collection of vehicles. The Bus Drivers should not be allowed to strike and should realise that it will solve absolutely nothing, apart from cementing the current public opinion; arrogant fools who think that by spending three days sat at home or "campaigning" will increase their wages. Welcome to the Real World. Industrial Action does not solve anything, and merely leads to distrust and rivalry.