Unite polling found 77 per cent of Doncaster drivers are worse
off than last year and almost half have cut back on essentials as
they seek pay parity with Sheffield drivers
A Unite survey of bus drivers working for First South Yorkshire
in Doncaster has laid bare their financial struggles as they seek
pay parity with drivers in Sheffield, just 20 miles down the
road.
The poll of the 230 members currently involved in the pay dispute
at the Leger Way depot found 77 per cent of drivers believe they
are worse off than they were 12 months ago, while over a third
(38 per cent) are considering leaving their job in the next six
months due to financial pressures.
They are also struggling with affording essentials. Almost half -
46 per cent - said they had cut back on food and the same number
had cut back on heating, while seven per cent had cut back on
rent or mortgage payments
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The situation at
First South Yorkshire is an utter disgrace. Bus drivers who do a
demanding, important jobs for a profitable company should not be
unable to afford life basics.
"It is high time First Bus stopped putting profits over people
and paid Doncaster drivers a fair wage. Our members continue to
have Unite's full support during this dispute."
First Group is a highly profitable company, which saw revenues
rise 30 per cent to £833.6m for the half year ending September
2025, while Doncaster drivers are experiencing money worries.
One driver said: "I'm constantly stressed about money. It is hard
to focus on the road when you are worrying about bills."
Another said: "I've cut back on everything I can. There's nothing
left to cut. Equal pay would give us some breathing room."
Out of those polled, 84 per cent said they were 'very angry' that
they are paid less than their counterparts in Sheffield, while a
huge 97 per cent responded that they do not feel adequately
compensated for the work they do for First South Yorkshire
Another driver said: "I work weekends and unsociable hours,
overtime with no extra compensation. My colleagues 20 miles away
within the same area of our county earn more than our depot, yet
we overlap mileage and run from the same interchange.
"I love the job and have worked here over 10 years, but for the
first time I'm genuinely looking for other work, be it with
another bus operator or outside of driving buses."
The new strike dates are 27 April and 29 April. These are in
addition to strikes taking place today (20 April), Wednesday (22
April) and Friday (24 April).
Drivers previously walked out in March and earlier this month
causing delays and cancellations to bus services in and out of
Doncaster city centre.
Unite regional officer Christian Ratcliffe said: "The results of
our survey are damning and show the scale of anger and
frustration among our Doncaster-based members at First South
Yorkshire.
"It is clear this unacceptable two-tier pay system is having a
huge impact on their finances as well as taking a mental toll
with so many feeling demoralised.
"This is why strike action is continuing. First Bus must change
tack and listen to our members otherwise they will have no choice
but to take industrial action in their fight for fair pay."
