More than 140 drivers and supervisors at First Bus in Hampshire are set to take further strike action in February and March.

The company attempted to impose a pay deal that had already been rejected by workers. Now employees will take to the picket line to demonstrate their anger at the pay rates on offer and the disregard shown to them by First Bus management.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “First Group is making millions of pounds of profit across the UK on public transport yet is treating its workers and the communities they serve in Hampshire with disdain.

“To pay barely above the minimum wage for a skilled and high-pressure job is utterly unacceptable. To now attempt to impose a pay deal already rejected by our membership is an act of desperation and cowardice. Our members at First have the total support of Unite in their dispute."

First Group had revenues of nearly £5 billion in 2023 across the UK, while First Hampshire & Dorset had a turnover of nearly £37 million. Staff are now being paid barely above the minimum wage for a skilled and stressful job. Strikes are due to take place from 25 to 27 February, 3 to 7 March and 10 to 11 March meaning bus services will be close to zero.

It could impact residents in Clanfield and Horndean, as First Bus operates services from these villages to Portsmouth.

First has offered workers just over a four per cent pay deal and has also refused to reinstate many of the terms and conditions that were removed during the Covid pandemic. During the pandemic, First Bus used the threat of fire and rehire to take the terms and conditions from Unite members and used a Covid recovery program to justify it. Despite assurances they would look to reinstate them, they have since refused to even enter negotiations either with Unite or through the conciliation service Acas.

Unite regional officer Ian Woodland said: "Imposing a pay deal against our members wishes is potentially an unlawful act and Unite is currently considering a legal case. Our members are furious they have been treated with contempt by the company.

"The managing director of First South has refused to even enter into negotiations since December. Due to the company’s own actions Unite is escalating industrial action. The resulting disruption is directly a result of the First Bus’ actions.

“Unite remain willing to negotiate and invite First Bus to come back to the table with an improved offer."