Travel disruption expected in Greater Manchester as Bee Network goes on Strike

Bee Network Passengers have been advised to ‘plan their journeys’ between the 19th and 22nd September amid Strike Action.

(Credit: TfGM)

The Strikes, led by Unite the Union, will affect most of the bus routes ran by First, Metroline, and Stagecoach. However, Bolton and Wigan bus services will continue to operate, as well as the Free Bus service across the City Centre.

Metrolink Trams and Local Train services are not affected by these strikes. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has warned that Metrolink services are expected to be very busy, with events at Old Trafford, Co-op Live, and AO Arena likely to increase demand.

BEENET-SERVICE (Credit: TfGM)

Unite says its drivers are striking due to poor pay and conditions, as well as calling for improvements to be made to rest breaks. Unite’s National Officer for Passenger Transport,

Wayne King, said, “our members are struggling with the cost of living”. He added: “pay and conditions must be improved and standardised across the sector.”

TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, Danny Vanghan, warned “Around two-thirds of buses will not run if bus operator staff take industrial action.”

The latest bout of strike action follows the UK Bus Summit, held in Greater Manchester, which brought together key voices from across the sector. Unite claims that bus workers were excluded from the event.

Passengers are advised to allow for extra time for their journeys and can get regular updates at: https://tfgm.com/bus-industrial-action.