Unite: Doncaster bus drivers to increase strike action

• More disruption to services as First South Yorkshire workers take action over pay

There will be further disruption to bus services in Doncaster, as First South Yorkshire workers have escalated industrial action over pay.

The drivers, members of Unite, have turned down a pay offer from their employer as this does not give them pay parity with those doing the same job at First in Sheffield, just over 20 miles away.

Further strike action will now take place on 14 and 17 April, alongside the already-announced dates of 22 and 24 April. Previous industrial action on 28 and 30 March and yesterday (7 April) caused major disruption to bus services in and out of Doncaster city centre and the surrounding areas, with many cancelled or running a limited service.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "First Bus can fully afford to give these drivers, who do their same job as their counterparts down the road, the same wages but is choosing to prioritise greed.

"Our members at First South Yorkshire continue to have Unite's full support."

First Group is a highly profitable company. It saw revenues rise 30 per cent to £833.6m for the half year ending September 2025.

Unite regional officer Christian Ratcliffe said: "Escalating strike action will be very disruptive, but it is entirely the fault of First Bus for creating a two-tier pay system.

“Drivers at First South Yorkshire feel they have no choice but to continue to take action to make their voices. First Bus must reconsider its actions to avoid further industrial action.”