Bus strikes set to continue

Hundreds of Trent drivers are campaigning for at least 7 an hour to bring them in line with wages paid by Nottingham City Transport.

But bosses have offered an increase of only five per cent, which will take the drivers' average pay up to only 6.30 an hour.

Fed-up unions balloted for a strike and the first of three one-day walkouts took place last Saturday, affecting many services in the Hucknall and Bulwell area.

Now Trent managing director Brian King insists there will be no talks with unions unless the threat of strikes is lifted.

He says the pay offer is the maximum that can be made because there is no more money available.

But the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) says the strikes will still go ahead.

Regional organiser Peter Whipps said: "The message is that we are always prepared to negotiate. I hope they swallow their pride."

The strike last Saturday was the first major piece of industrial action to affect Trent Barton in 15 years and severely disrupted Christmas shoppers.

Services axed in Hucknall were the Hucknall Flyer and the number 45, which runs between Hucknall, Bulwell and Nottingham.

Unless a solution is reached, tomorrow's strike will be followed by another on Saturday December 20, which is the biggest shopping day of the year.