Arriva has hit back over claims it offered bus workers “a pay cut disguised as a rise” amid looming strike action early next month.

Unite confirmed industrial action will be taking place after its Arriva members rejected pay rises of between four and six per cent.

The union described these offers as a pay cut because inflation is currently running over 10 per cent and there are warnings that it could reach 18 per cent next year.

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But Arriva has defended its position highlighting the difficulties the company has faced since the pandemic struck.

It also insisted that any pay increases must reflect rising operating costs.

A spokesperson said: “Bus operators were unable to make profits as a condition of receiving government funding rounds to support services through the pandemic.

“Yet despite the financial challenges posed by Covid, with passenger numbers still lower than before the pandemic, we continued to invest in bus services and award annual pay rises.

“With the cost of living rising, we agree that bus workers deserve a pay rise – but any increases must be affordable, also reflecting that operating costs are rising across the bus industry, such as with higher fuel costs.

“We will update when there’s news.”

News of the impending strike received a mixed response on social media.

One person said: “Good for you guys hope you get [the pay rise].”

Another person said: “Stand firm guys like we did in the Northwest and Yorkshire.”

However, some disagreed with the strike.

One person said: “It's a vicious circle.

“If everyone wants a pay rise all the other costs will go up and it will get to a point where people will stop using that service as it costs too much.”

While one person commented: “It’s hard times for all of us at the moment but you don’t see us and the people who earn less than bus drivers on strike.”

The strikes will be taking place across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

They will take place between 3am on Monday, September 5, and 3am on September 7.

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