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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Festive bus strike gets under way | Festive bus strike gets under way |
| (19 minutes later) | |
| A bus strike in Aberdeen was set to cause transport problems for shoppers amid the busy Christmas rush. | A bus strike in Aberdeen was set to cause transport problems for shoppers amid the busy Christmas rush. |
| Drivers and other depot staff at First Bus have been taking part in a 24-hour strike, which began at 0300 GMT. | Drivers and other depot staff at First Bus have been taking part in a 24-hour strike, which began at 0300 GMT. |
| They are seeking a 5% pay rise after rejecting a 4% offer negotiated through conciliation service Acas. | They are seeking a 5% pay rise after rejecting a 4% offer negotiated through conciliation service Acas. |
| The current industrial action, by members of the Unite T&G union, is due to be followed by 48-hour stoppages over the following two weekends. | The current industrial action, by members of the Unite T&G union, is due to be followed by 48-hour stoppages over the following two weekends. |
| Tommy Campbell, from Unite, was on the picket line at the First headquarters in Aberdeen's King Street with 50 other strikers. | |
| 'Share these profits' | |
| He said: "It is 100% solid. There's not one single bus moving, not one has gone out. It's a very clear message that we are very determined to achieve the 5% pay rise. | |
| "The company can well afford to pay it. They are making millions of pounds of profits in Aberdeen, it's time to share these profits with the staff." | |
| After the strike finishes early on Sunday, staff will continue their protests by working to rule and refusing to work overtime. | |
| It was estimated that about 130 buses could be off the road until Sunday morning. | It was estimated that about 130 buses could be off the road until Sunday morning. |
| Aberdeen shopping centre bosses feared vital pre-Christmas trade could be lost. | |
| The strikes came after a ballot of 400 union members. | The strikes came after a ballot of 400 union members. |
| Those taking industrial action include about 250 drivers and staff such as depot cleaners and mechanics. | Those taking industrial action include about 250 drivers and staff such as depot cleaners and mechanics. |
| Rival operator Stagecoach is running its fleet of buses in the city at the weekend. |