Bus drivers will be balloted tomorrow (Friday) on whether they want to accept revised conditions of employment or to continue with the strikes planned for 5 and 6 July. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, said: ‘Representatives of Unite the union have been meeting with senior officers from the Department for much of this afternoon (Thursday). The outcome of those discussions is that the Department has agreed to modify one element of the proposed changes to bus drivers’ working arrangements and consequently to reduce the compensation payment proportionately. ‘The issue that had caused the drivers concern was the payment of sick pay: Drivers’ representatives agreed that they give up the right to be paid sick pay according to their scheduled weekly duty, which currently means that they are being paid up to 50 hours a week even though they are off sick. The union representatives proposed that they be paid sick pay at their minimum guaranteed figure of 42 hours, rather than 37 hours as the Department had wished. The Department has reduced its offer of compensation in proportion to the savings lost. ‘The bus drivers will be balloted on whether they are prepared to accept the offer or continue with the planned industrial action.’ The results of the ballot will be announced as soon as possible. Minister Cretney added: ‘I am hoping that this strike will not now take place. However, if the bus drivers vote in favour of going on strike, the DCCL will announce its contingency plans by lunchtime on Monday (4 July).’ ENDS