Bradford bus drivers strike against job losses

Hundreds of First West Yorkshire bus drivers and engineers were on strike in Bradford on 27-28 April, officially against the transfer of a bus service to the Halifax depot with a loss of eight jobs.

But in reality the strike is also over deeper grievances. For example, one shop steward explained there used to be 20 spare buses for every 100 in use for repairs, maintenance and breakdowns. Now there are as few as three, meaning buses services are frequently cancelled.

Shift lengths have increased. New starters have 12-hour shifts on lower pay. 90 jobs have gone in the last four years. An overtime ban on Sunday meant many services didn’t run.

Iain Dalton