Union accuses company of ‘refusing to pay monies owed’ – First Cymru says negotiations are ongoing

INDUSTRIAL tensions at First Cymru have intensified as hundreds of bus drivers across South and West Wales prepare for an extended period of strike action in a long-running dispute over pay.

The walkout, due to begin on November 20 and continue until January 21, will affect depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford, covering much of the company’s network across the region.

The union Unite says its members are “furious” that the company has refused to backdate pay from the annual pay review and has instead offered what the union called a “£50 bung payment” to encourage drivers to cross picket lines.

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.”

According to Unite, First Cymru currently pays £13.40 an hour, compared with £15 at Cardiff Bus, £15 at Arriva North Wales, £14.44 at Stagecoach, and £14.50 at Newport Transport. The union says the company may soon be the only major operator still applying a lower “new starter rate” for the first year of service.

Unite regional officer Alan McCarthy added: “Driving a bus is a highly skilled job, yet First Cymru drivers are treated like second-class citizens. They’ve reached the end of their tether and are struggling to make ends meet. Unite will be backing them every step of the way.”

The union says drivers are seeking a “reasonable” rise that reflects the cost of living and inflation.

Company response

In response to the ongoing dispute, First Cymru said it remains committed to reaching a resolution and has made what it described as a “fair and sustainable” pay offer in line with other transport operators.

A company spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite has chosen to escalate strike action rather than continue meaningful discussions. We value our drivers and are keen to reach an agreement that recognises their hard work while ensuring the long-term viability of our services for passengers and communities across South and West Wales.”

Background

First Cymru is part of the First Group, which reported profits exceeding £200 million last year, with its chief executive receiving more than £3 million in pay and bonuses. The company operates bus services across South and West Wales, including key routes connecting Swansea, Carmarthen, and Haverfordwest.

Previous industrial action earlier this year caused widespread disruption across the region, with some routes reduced or cancelled entirely.

The latest announcement marks a significant escalation in what has become one of the longest-running industrial disputes in Wales’ transport sector this year.

Victim taken to hospital as police close Charles Street for several hours

A NEYLAND man has been remanded in custody following a serious assault in Milford Haven at the weekend.

Benjamin Cullen, aged nineteen, of Gordon Parry Road, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 10) charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an incident on Charles Street late on Saturday night (Nov 8).

The court heard that the victim, Nicholas Hammond, was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Cullen did not formally enter a plea.

The case was committed to Swansea Crown Court, where he is due to appear on Monday, November 24.

He was remanded in custody after magistrates heard details of his previous record and concerns that he may offend or interfere with witnesses if released on bail.

A second man, aged thirty-six, was also arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene at around 11:30pm on Charles Street, which remained closed for several hours during the investigation.

A TIMELESS festive classic filled with wonder, music and magic will delight audiences of all ages at the Torch Theatre this December, as The Royal Ballet’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker graces the big screen.

Join Clara on Christmas Eve as a cosy family gathering transforms into a dazzling adventure. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s much-loved story, this 19th-century tale unfolds in the home of the Stahlbaums, where Clara receives an enchanted Nutcracker doll. As the clock strikes midnight, she discovers a world of sparkling snowflakes, dancing sweets, and a heroic Nutcracker brought to life.

Peter Wright’s 1984 production for The Royal Ballet has captivated audiences for decades, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score and Julia Trevelyan Oman’s lavish designs — a combination that captures the very essence of Christmas magic.

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday, December 14, at 2:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £20 (£18 concessions | £9 under 26).

For bookings, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.