This is a last resort and we have tried to avoid this action for well over a year. Our members do not want to lose money and go on strike but it’s a measure of their belief that what is happening is fundamentally wrong.

Bus Inspectors and Depot Supervisors within the Isle of Man Government mounted a strike yesterday 9 April 2009. The strike, over pay and conditions, was the first strike on the island for over 20 years.

It is claimed that the one day strike will be followed up by further industrial action unless agreement can be brokered between the group and bus management.

The issue has apparently escalated due to the notification, via a management offer to the workers, Depot Supervisor posts will be made redundant due to plans to close out of town Depots in the next few years. The strike was due to coincide with the launch of a newly liveried bus fleet costing almost £2 million pounds; which apparently was cancelled.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Prospect Negotiations Officer Angela Moffatt said in a Prospect union press release:

“This is a last resort and we have tried to avoid this action for well over a year. Our members do not want to lose money and go on strike but it’s a measure of their belief that what is happening is fundamentally wrong. 

They want a fair remuneration package that recognises the work they do, and they want to save management the money they are spending paying them overtime to drive buses. They do not want that funded at the cost of their colleagues’ jobs, and cuts to public services through the closure of depots. It’s no good offering them alternative jobs which aren’t fairly remunerated – some of our members would lose up to 13.5% of their current pay with some of the terms management are attaching to their offer.

Management are blaming the recession, and seeking more flexibility despite the fact that they can find tens of thousands of pounds to fund new uniforms that staff neither want nor need, and spend almost £2 million on 11 new buses. Our members cannot see the logic in this approach in these hard times. This is a group which has continually worked hard with management, and built in flexibility to the way they work. How much more do they have to give?

Management have forwarded an offer which has so many negative conditions it is impossible to accept and we are sorely disappointed because there are numerous ways for both sides to compromise and reach agreement. We are still prepared to do that, but our members feel that by withdrawing their labour they are viewing this situation as extremely serious. And they will do it again.”

Prospect expect to notify strike action again within the next few weeks if no agreement can be reached.