The political member in charge of public transport in the Isle of Man is hopeful an end to the long-standing dispute between the Department of Tourism and Leisure and bus workers is in sight.

Graham Cregeen MHK says the row centres on inspectors wanting a 12.5 per cent pay rise to compensate them for the amount of overtime they do.

He acknowledges they work hard and says a number of solutions have been suggested to the Union Prospect, including a re-evaluation of their job descriptions and amalgamation with the depot supervisors.

Mr Cregeen is disappointed these haven't been approved and that workers have voted in favour of industrial action, including a strike, if there's no solution.

But he remains optimistic about the outcome.