Unite the union, which represents over 70,000 bus
workers, has welcomed the decision of Greater Manchester
mayor to accelerate his plans to
introduce bus franchising in the city region.
In the announcement today (March 14) Mr Burnham has said that bus
franchising will begin to be introduced into parts of Greater
Manchester in the autumn of 2023, with the entire city region
benefiting from the new system by the autumn of 2024.
Unite welcomes the introduction of franchising as it believes it
will end the cut throat competition between companies to secure
the most profitable routes, to the detriment of
workers, and will ensure that the needs of passengers and
the local community are properly considered.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Franchising is
the first step on the road to creating a level playing field for
bus workers’ employment and should be used to eradicate low pay
in the sector.
“Unite will seek to ensure that minimum employment standards are
included in tender documents to end the misery caused by
companies slashing workers’ pay and conditions in a race to the
bottom in order to boost their profits.”
Unite has been working with the Greater Manchester Combined
Authority to ensure that the introduction of franchising does not
result in the reduction of any of the terms and conditions of bus
workers in Greater Manchester. In addition the union is also
developing a set of minimum standards which it hopes will be
included in tender documents when bus operators bid for franchise
routes and packages. This will include minimum pay rates,
overtime rules and shift lengths, among other matters.
Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “This is a significant
step forward. The introduction of bus franchising will benefit
passengers, local communities and bus workers alike.
“Unite is working closely together with both and the Greater Manchester
Combined Authority to ensure that our members’ terms and
conditions are fully protected during the introduction of
franchises.”
Unite is also supportive of moves to introduce bus franchising in
other city regions, including Merseyside.
