TRACY Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire has called a late-hour resumption of the Arriva bus strike "incredibly disappointing".

Arriva bus drivers went on strike again in the early hours of this morning following the rejection of the latest pay offer made by the company.

After rejecting the deal, strikes began again at 2am this morning affecting Arriva bus depots in Castleford, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Selby and Wakefield, with limited services, which could cause severe travel disruption.

Last night Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “Like others, I found out about the resumption of the strike on social media just before 6pm.

“To inform passengers at this late hour is incredibly disappointing and leaves people unable to make alternative plans.

“I am particularly concerned about passengers arriving at a bus stop today only to find out they have no means of transport, other than walking or getting a taxi.

“Communities across West Yorkshire need an urgent resolution to this dispute. With the potential for strike action to continue indefinitely, it seems sensible to invite ACAS in to help broker an agreement between Arriva and Unite for the benefit of bus users.

“I share the frustrations of those who will find getting to school or work difficult in the coming days.

“My powers to intervene in this dispute remain limited, as unlike London, services here are controlled by private operators. However, the free bus service I introduced between Wakefield and Pinderfields hospital will continue ensuring people can keep vital hospital appointments.”

Drivers went on strike at the start of June, due to low wages, but this was suspended on June 30 as an act of goodwill as a new pay offer was issued by Arriva.

Unite recorded a 53.7 percent vote in favour of rejecting Arriva’s latest pay offer.

Unite regional officer Phil Brown said: “Our members want to get back to work, but that requires Arriva to put forward a new offer and for the company to leave the workforce alone while they consider it.”

A spokesperson for Arriva UK Bus said: “For Unite to call this indefinite strike in Yorkshire with just hours’ notice is appalling. 

"Customers who will be relying on buses to travel will be seriously inconvenienced with no warning provided.   

 “We are deeply frustrated on behalf of all our customers and the communities we serve for the disruption they face.”       

 

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.