First Cymru bus drivers’ pay win hailed as union victory

Unite has hailed a significant pay win for bus drivers in South West Wales, warning that low pay must still be tackled across the sector.

The union confirmed members at First Cymru have accepted a new offer delivering a 5% increase backdated to 1 April. Drivers’ hourly pay rises to £14.25 now, with staged increases reaching £15 per hour by January 2027.

The deal also covers engineers, admin staff and service personnel. Cleaners will receive a temporary uplift until April 2026, when the Real Living Wage of £13.45 will apply.

Timeline of the First Cymru dispute

October 2025:
Drivers begin strike action over pay, warning of disruption across South West Wales.

November 2025:
Unite accuses First Cymru of union‑busting as stoppages continue. Councils raise concern over impact.

Late November 2025:
New pay offer tabled. Strikes suspended pending ballot of members.

29 November 2025:
Workers accept revised deal. First Cymru confirms strike action is over.

1 December 2025:
Unite hails the agreement as a union victory, warning low pay must still be tackled under franchising.

“There is power in a union”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the outcome showed the strength of collective action.

“There is power in a union and the victory achieved by First Cymru workers in South Wales is a testament to the power of workers coming together and fighting for what they merit.”

Regional officer Alan McCarthy added:

“Unite members at First Cymru have shown the power of collective action, winning this dispute to gain a much‑improved pay award.

However, the fact that they had to take strike action at all should be a real concern for Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government. Steps must be taken to ensure that low pay is eliminated in our Welsh bus sector under the new franchising model.”

Strike action cancelled, but concerns remain

All planned industrial action has now been cancelled following the ballot result.

The dispute saw repeated stoppages across October and November, with drivers warning of festive disruption and Unite accusing the company of union‑busting.

While the new deal ends the immediate dispute, Unite says bus workers remain among the lowest paid in the sector — and has pledged to continue pressing for fairer wages under franchising reforms.

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Bus strikes across South West Wales come to an end after deal agreed

The company announced this week that a revised pay offer has been accepted by staff, lifting the threat of further walkouts and restoring certainty for passengers.

Agreement brings relief after months of disruption

Industrial action by Unite members had caused widespread disruption to services in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and beyond, with strikes stretching into the autumn and winter.

Several rounds of negotiations saw offers rejected, strikes postponed, and services repeatedly thrown into doubt. At one stage, Unite confirmed action would continue into January, escalating concerns for commuters and local councils.

The breakthrough came after First Cymru tabled an improved offer, which has now been accepted.

First Cymru statement

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First Bus Cymru, said:

“We are pleased that the revised offer has been accepted by colleagues and that the threat of further strike action has been lifted. This agreement provides certainty for our teams and our customers, and enables us to move forward together.

“Our priority now is to restore confidence and deliver the reliable, consistent services that our communities depend on every day. We want to thank our customers for their patience during this period of uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming back anyone who may have been affected by the recent disruption.”

Looking ahead

The end of the strikes will be welcomed by thousands of passengers who rely on First Cymru buses daily for work, school and essential travel. Local leaders, including Neath Port Talbot Council, had previously voiced concern about the impact of prolonged disruption on communities and businesses.

With the agreement now in place, attention turns to rebuilding trust and ensuring services run smoothly through the busy winter period.

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Unite confirms suspension of First Cymru bus strike after improved pay offer

The union Unite confirmed late on Wednesday that its members will now be balloted on the latest offer, with voting set to close on 28 November. If the deal is rejected, strike action will begin on Sunday 7 December and continue throughout December until 21 January, as previously announced.

Ballot now the focus

Unite regional officer Alan McCarthy said:

“Following the announcement of a winter of strike action, First Cymru has finally come forward with an improved pay offer. As an act of goodwill, Unite has agreed to suspend strike action while a ballot of our members takes place.”

The suspension marks a significant development in a dispute that had threatened to cause widespread disruption to bus services across South and West Wales in the run‑up to Christmas.

First Cymru response

In a statement, First Cymru said:

“Industrial action that was due to begin on 20 November across Wales has been suspended until 7 December while Unite the Union ballots its members on a revised pay offer.

“We’re genuinely grateful to both Unite and ACAS for the constructive conversations that helped us reach this point. First Bus services across south and west Wales will continue to run as normal during this period, which we know matters to everyone who relies on us for work, school and other daily commitments.

“Thanks for your patience and understanding throughout this process. We’ll continue to keep you updated as things develop.”

Pay and back‑pay at the heart of the dispute

Drivers had been preparing for continuous strike action in protest at low hourly pay rates and claims that First Cymru was attempting to withhold back‑pay.

Unite has argued that drivers’ current rate of £13.40 per hour lags behind competitors such as Stagecoach, which pays £14.44 per hour, and has demanded a minimum of £14.30 per hour plus back‑pay.

The company previously warned that prolonged strike action would cause “hugely disruptive” impacts for passengers, while insisting it had made an above‑inflation pay offer alongside investment in staff facilities and benefits.

What happens next

The outcome of the ballot will determine whether the improved offer is accepted or whether strike action resumes in December.

For now, bus services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Haverfordwest are expected to run as normal until the ballot closes.

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Neath Port Talbot Council leader says First Cymru bus strike postponed

The planned continuous strike by First Cymru bus drivers, due to begin on Thursday 20 November, has been postponed until 7 December, according to a late-night Facebook post by Neath Port Talbot Council leader Cllr Steve Hunt.

Cllr Hunt published the update at 10.31pm on Tuesday, writing:

“The First Cymru bus drivers strike has been postponed and will not go ahead from this Thursday 20th November. After talks today between First Cymru and Unite the Union, the planned strike action that was to continue from this Thursday 20th November has been postponed until 7th December.”

At the time of writing, no official confirmation has been issued by either First Cymru or Unite, leaving passengers awaiting clarity on whether services will run as normal later this week.

Pay dispute that sparked the strike

The strike action was announced earlier this month after negotiations over pay broke down. Unite members at depots across Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Haverfordwest had voted to escalate to a continuous strike running until 21 January.

Drivers have argued that their current pay rate of £13.40 per hour lags behind competitors such as Stagecoach, which pays £14.44 per hour. Unite has demanded a minimum of £14.30 per hour plus back pay, accusing First Cymru of withholding agreed payments and attempting to undermine union solidarity by offering £50 incentives to cross picket lines.

Union anger and company warnings

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham previously described the company’s approach as “union-busting” and said drivers were “furious” at being left behind in the industry.

First Cymru, meanwhile, has insisted it has made an above-inflation pay offer alongside investment in staff facilities and benefits, and warned that prolonged strikes would cause “hugely disruptive” impacts for passengers.

What happens next

If the postponement is confirmed, bus services across South and West Wales may continue as normal until 7 December, when Unite has indicated action could resume if no agreement is reached.

For now, passengers are advised to check for updates directly from First Cymru and Unite the Union, as neither has yet issued a formal statement on the postponement.

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‘Underpaid’ First Cymru drivers set for continuous strike as union demands ACAS talks

Union says Welsh drivers earn less than Bristol colleagues

Unite the Union has warned that bus services across South and West Wales face major disruption from next week, as drivers prepare to begin a continuous strike lasting until 21 January 2026.

The union says its members in Wales are “underpaid” compared to colleagues in Bristol, despite working under the same operating company. Bristol drivers earn £17 an hour, while Welsh drivers are paid £13.40.

Unite confirmed that the latest offer from First Cymru — £14.07 per hour — was rejected, citing concerns that the company intended to withhold the majority of back pay owed to workers.

Union calls for ACAS mediation

Unite representatives said their “door has always been open” for talks and criticised First Cymru for failing to take up earlier proposals to involve ACAS in mediation.

“They contacted us ahead of the previous industrial action, which lasted for four days from the 5th of November, proposing ACAS. We said absolutely. They said it would be on the basis that the industrial action was withdrawn, and our drivers were not prepared to do that,” the union said.

“We’re now sitting here in November still waiting for an acceptable offer. The employer has delayed and delayed and delayed. So our members were adamant that they will take that industrial action.”

First Cymru says strikes ‘unnecessary and disruptive’

In a statement issued on 5 November, Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was “deeply frustrated” by the union’s decision to announce two months of strikes.

“These are unnecessary and, most importantly, they will be hugely disruptive to our customers during the festive period when many hope to use buses to shop, meet friends and family and enjoy Christmas parties. It is within the hands of the union to stop this action,” he said.

Mr Claringbold added: “We have always maintained an open dialogue with the union and while they continue to reject our offers we still hope to find a solution to encourage the union to call off their strikes. We have been committed to improving the pay of drivers, and alongside our above inflation offer, we continue to invest in staff facilities and conditions, and a range of benefits, including healthcare schemes.”

He confirmed that revised timetables would be published on the company’s website and urged passengers to check before travelling.

Six‑day countdown to walkout

On social media, Unite Wales warned that First Cymru now has just six days before drivers return to the picket lines.

“Again, we call on First Cymru to do the right thing and end this dispute before Christmas,” the union posted. “Our members do not want to disrupt the general public, particularly over Christmas, but until First make a decent pay offer and release their back pay, strike action will continue.”

What it means for passengers

The strike is set to run continuously until 21 January 2026, covering the entire festive period. Bus services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire are expected to be heavily affected, with both sides urging dialogue but standing firm on their positions.

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First Cymru warns of festive disruption as strike dispute escalates

The company issued its response after Unite accused the operator of “union‑busting” in the ongoing pay dispute. Strikes are scheduled to begin on 20 November and continue until 21 January, covering the peak festive travel season.

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company shared customers’ frustration at the prolonged action. “These are unnecessary and, most importantly, they will be hugely disruptive to our customers during the festive period when many hope to use buses to shop, meet friends and family and enjoy Christmas parties. It is within the hands of the union to stop this action,” he said.

Claringbold stressed that First Cymru had maintained an open dialogue with Unite and continued to seek a resolution. “We have always maintained an open dialogue with the union and while they continue to reject our offers we still hope to find a solution to encourage the union to call off their strikes,” he added.

The company highlighted its above‑inflation pay offer, alongside investment in staff facilities, conditions, and benefits such as healthcare schemes. Claringbold warned that further strike announcements were damaging the reputation of bus travel in Wales and disrupting public travel plans.

First Cymru confirmed that revised timetables will be published on its website shortly, with ongoing reviews to maximise the number of services available. Passengers are urged to check the operator’s website before travelling.

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First Cymru strike dispute deepens as Unite accuses company of “union‑busting”

The dispute between First Cymru and its drivers has intensified, with Unite the Union accusing the company of “union‑busting” and treating staff “like second class citizens.”

It follows confirmation last week that strike action will escalate into a two‑month continuous walkout from 20 November until 21 January. The union has now sharpened its criticism of First Cymru, claiming the company has refused to pay back‑pay owed to staff and offered a £50 “bung payment” to encourage drivers to cross picket lines.

Union anger over pay

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“First Cymru is trying to take industrial relations back to the dark ages with its refusal to pay monies owed, attempts at union‑busting to get staff to cross picket lines and all the while paying some of the lowest wages in the industry. Unite never stands for such behaviour. First needs to think again about how it is treating its workforce.”

Drivers currently earn £13.40 per hour, Unite says, compared with £15 at Cardiff Bus and Arriva North Wales, £14.44 at Stagecoach South Wales, and £14.50 at Newport Transport. The union argues First is now the lowest payer among major operators, and warns that with the Real Living Wage set to rise to £13.45 in April 2026, the company’s pay structure will become “untenable.”

Regional impact

The strike covers depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford. Unite regional officer Alan McCarthy said:

“Driving a bus is a highly skilled job. Yet drivers for First Cymru are treated like second class citizens and have reached the end of their tether. They are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table for their families. Unite will be backing them every step of the way in this dispute.

“The communities of South Wales have been let down by First who see fit to short‑change their drivers and will now see the consequences of this as our members take to the picket line.”

Company profits under scrutiny

Unite has also highlighted First Group’s financial results, noting the transport giant made over £200 million profit last year and paid its chief executive more than £3 million.

What it means for passengers

The escalation means bus services across South and West Wales will remain severely disrupted throughout November, December and into January. First Cymru has previously warned the action will cause major disruption during the festive season, while the union insists the company could end the dispute with a fair pay offer.

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First Cymru bus strikes set to continue into January as dispute escalates

Passengers across south and west Wales face weeks of disruption after drivers rejected the company’s latest pay offer. The union says members are determined to secure a fair settlement, while First Bus has warned the extended action will cause major disruption during the festive season.

Unite confirms escalation

In a statement posted on Facebook, Unite said:

“First Cymru workers have decided to significantly escalate their dispute with their employer over their rate of pay and back pay. Further strike action will commence on the 20th of November and will continue until January 21st 2026. Our members do not want to inconvenience the general public over Christmas, but First can fix this with a fair pay offer.”

The union has already staged walkouts since late October, with services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire heavily affected.

First Bus response

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said:

“We, like our customers, are deeply frustrated that the union has announced two full months of strikes in south and west Wales from November 20 and continuing right through to January 21. These are unnecessary and, most importantly, they will be hugely disruptive to our customers during the festive period when many hope to use buses to shop, meet friends and family and enjoy Christmas parties. It is within the hands of the union to stop this action.

“We have always maintained an open dialogue with the union and while they continue to reject our offers we still hope to find a solution to encourage the union to call off their strikes.

“We have been committed to improving the pay of drivers, and alongside our above inflation offer, we continue to invest in staff facilities and conditions, and a range of benefits, including healthcare schemes.

“We will continue to keep as many services running as possible, but announcing even more strikes is severely disrupting the public’s travel plans and damaging the reputation of bus travel in Wales.

“Our revised timetables will be available on our website shortly, and we will review these over the coming weeks to ensure we get as many buses out as possible for our customers. We encourage customers to check our website for more details before travelling.”

What it means for you

The extended strike action means bus services across south and west Wales will remain severely disrupted throughout November, December and into January. Passengers are advised to check revised timetables on the First Cymru website before travelling and to expect reduced services during the festive period.

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