BUS drivers in the Isle of Man will be balloted today on whether they want to accept revised conditions of employment or continue with the planned strike action next week.

Discussions between the Unite union and the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure have been ongoing since strike action was announced on Wednesday.

A number of bus drivers who are unhappy with changes to their working conditions threatened to strike on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Department Minister David Cretney MHK said the two parties spent most of yesterday (Thursday) in discussions.

He explained: "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.

"I am hoping that this strike will not now take place. However if the bus drivers vote in favour of going on strike the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure will announce its contingency plans by lunchtime on Monday, July 4."

The result of the ballot will be announced in due course.

Also see: Bus drivers threaten strike action on Tynwald Day
              Union claims bus director told drivers to strike to “sort out budget problems