THE union representing bus drivers in the Isle of Man has claimed that the director of public transport told drivers a strike would "sort out his budget problems".
A number of bus drivers in the Island are planning to strike next Tuesday, Tynwald Day, and Wednesday because they are unhappy with potential changes to their terms and conditions.
Steve Salter from the Unite union said: "The director of public transport (Ian Longworth) stated that if we were to take strike action he would prefer us to take a week's industrial action – in his words 'it would sort out his budget problems'.
"I feel it was very irresponsible to infer that if strike action were to take place it would be a longer period than the two days we have put down next week."
Discussions between the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, which operate Bus Vannin, and Unite have been on-going since September last year. In May drivers were balloted and 77 per cent voted in favour of industrial action.
Mr Salter continued: "Talks have been going on since September 2010 and right at the outset the members within Unite who work for Bus Vannin were threatened with 90 days notice. The director of public transport said 'you either accept it on my terms or I will issue you with 90 days notice' – that is not the right way to start negotiations.
"Those proved to be detrimental and as talks processed different threats were made against employees."
In response Mr Longworth said: "Clearly behind closed doors we have had some very robust discussions and it is generally inappropriate for those to be played out in the public arena.
"The trade union raised the issue that a contract can be terminated by management and new conditions offered. I have taken the opportunity to remind the trade union of their point at several appropriate times during subsequent meetings.
"This is a backstop that still remains open to us if we cannot have sensible negotiations with an appropriate conclusion. We are currently offering a one off payment in exchange for changes in conditions of employment, however, by giving such notice as this that cost will be saved.
"The bus services are subsidised by the government and clearly there is a budget saving if the buses do not operate due to strike action."
Representatives from the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure are meeting with union representatives today (Thursday) to continue negotiations.
Mr Salter said the union apologised for any inconvenience caused by strike action but said it was now in the hands of the department.
He concluded: "The department knows our stance and we are hoping they have had the opportunity to go away and think about the situation and a suitable resolution that is acceptable and amicable for all of us. We certainly feel this could have been avoided."
Also see: Bus drivers threaten strike action on Tynwald Day
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