PASSENGERS are reminded that a five-day bus strike has begun.

Drivers walked out in a row over pay in Weymouth and Bridport.

Negotiations between Unite the Union and First Dorset have been underway for several months.

On Tuesday, bus drivers in Weymouth and Bridport declared that they would take part in a five-day strike beginning at 4am on Monday, June 20, and finishing on Saturday June 25 at 3.59am.

Here's a link to the emergency timetable.

Last minute talks were held on Thursday but a resolution could not be reached meaning that the strike will go ahead as planned.

Unite claimed earlier this week that 110 out of the 130 bus drivers based in Bridport and Weymouth would be taking part.

Marc Reddy, managing director of First Dorset, said: "Again, I'm extremely disappointed Unite has taken the decision to proceed with strike action despite our renewed efforts to bring about a resolution to prevent this regrettable course of action, which is designed to cause maximum disruption to our services and to our customers.

“However. I can confirm we will be running services on most of our routes during next week. We would ask our customers to be patient with us during this challenging time."

Unite's regional officer Bob Lanning claimed that bosses from First Dorset had been using "delaying tactics" to draw out discussions.

He said: "Talks were held on Thursday with First Group management.

"Unfortunately, insufficient progress was made and the week-long strike by the Weymouth and Bridport drivers will start on Monday.

"We appreciate that the dispute will inconvenience the travelling public, but the ball is firmly in the management's court as they have steadfastly refused to rectify the pay inequality of our members over many years, compared with other First Group drivers across the West Country."

First Dorset have offered terms to Unite's members but they have been refused by the union.

For information about the skeleton service which will be provided over the coming days, please call First on 0333 014 3490