A STRIKE by bus drivers today has been hailed a success by their union.

Keighley Bus Company drivers walked out in a dispute over pay.

Members of Unite the Union staged the strike after a claim for a 50p-an-hour rise was rejected.

The company ran temporary timetables for the day.

Phil Bown, regional officer with Unite the Union, said members had shown full support for the action. There are more than 180 drivers at Keighley, with about 98 per cent union membership.

Picket lines were set up at locations including the bus station and depot.

“From the union’s perspective it was a successful day,” said Mr Bown.

“Minimal services were operating, with the few non-union drivers and managers brought in from other areas.

“The cost of living has continued to rise but pay hasn’t kept pace.

“Both the company’s offers were below the rate of inflation.

“We have tried to resolve this issue but were forced into a situation where this was the only course of action left.”

He added that as a result of the action, a meeting had been arranged for Monday with conciliation service ACAS.

The bus company said it was pleased with the number of services that operated during the strike.

“As well as running all the routes we advertised – including our normal frequencies on the Shuttle 662 and Dalesway 66 – we were able to run extra buses due to drivers deciding to work on the day,” said a spokesperson.

“We received many compliments from our customers who were thrilled that we were able to keep them moving on our network across West Yorkshire.”

But he added: “Despite our best efforts, the industrial action will have had an effect on our business and we will have to take that into consideration when negotiations recommence.”

The firm said it regretted any disruption the “unnecessary” action had caused.

Bosses defended the pay offer to drivers. “It represents an hourly increase of up to 34p over two years for our drivers – who are already among the best paid in West Yorkshire,” they said in a statement.

“In addition, we have invested considerably in many new buses and other improvements to retain and attract customers and meet increasing demands for improved air quality, which helps to secure our future as a vital service to the people of Keighley.

“While we value the efforts of our colleagues, the union’s claim for a 50p-an-hour increase in a single year – as well as further overtime enhancements – represents up to a seven per cent rise which is simply unaffordable, particularly in Keighley where we are seeing fewer people travelling around the town. We cannot bear an increase far in excess of inflation.”