Bus drivers in the Isle of Man have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a row with the Manx government about hours and working conditions.

The UNITE union balloted the employees and says almost four out of five drivers backed industrial action.

The union's regional industrial organiser Steve Salter says negotiations with Bus Vannin have been going on for some time.

However, he is stressing any form of industrial action would be a last resort and the vote shouldn't be seen as a threat (first part of audio file):

On Agenda last night, Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney said bus drivers on the Island earned considerably more than their London counterparts.

With the scope and structure of government report recommending privatising the bus service, Mr Cretney said proposed changes to terms and conditions still represented a good deal (second part of audio file):