Four-day strike to hit First buses

Wednesday, 29 October 2025 15:23

Bus workers in South Wales are staging a four-day strike after a new pay offer was rejected.

Services from Llantwit Major are among those affected during the walkout by First Cymru staff which runs from Thursday to Sunday.

A further four-day strike is also planned next week, affecting routes across south and west Wales.

Bus routes from Llantwit Major to Bridgend (303), Cardiff (304) and Talbot Green (321) are suspended, while there is a reduced timetable on the X2 route between Porthcawl and Cardiff via Bridgend.

The Unite union has accused the bus operator of continuing to short change staff - but First says their latest offer was above inflation.

Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, said: "First is guilty of trying to deny workers the back pay they are fully entitled to, in order to line its own pockets."

"Our members have roundly rejected this latest offer, which denies them pay justice and they have Unite's complete support throughout this dispute."

Strikes initially planned for last week had been suspended while Unite members considered the new offer - but the union said it had been "overwhelmingly rejected" because back pay was still being withheld.

First Cymru said it was disappointed "for our customers" that their latest offer had been rejected, leading to "significant disruption to services across South and West Wales."

Managing director Doug Claringbold added: "Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to feedback from Unite the Union members and made several offers in an effort to reach agreement and avoid disruption for those who rely on our services."

"Unfortunately, Unite the Union has chosen to proceed with strike action, which will affect our customers. Our door remains open to negotiation and we continue to seek a resolution."

Unite also plans to stage a further four-day strike from Wednesday 5th - Saturday 8th November - with members also threatening to stage further action over Christmas unless the dispute is settled.

They acccused First Cymru of already paying "some of the lowest wages in the industry" - while new recruits are paid "an even lower wage for 12 months, creating a two-tier workforce that breeds unhappiness among staff."

Alan McCarthy, Unite's regional co-ordinating officer, said: "Communities across South Wales will now face bus chaos, but their anger should be directed at profiteering bus bosses who are seeking to short-change our members."

Other local routes affected include Talbot Green to Cardiff (320).

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