BUS passengers could be facing another three months of disrupted services – as it emerges the union has pulled out of peace talks.

Unite agreed to arbitration talks with bus company First in August, as reported by the Dorset Echo. But now drivers have voted to pull out of the talks due to a ‘lack of faith’ in the process, in what First managing director for Dorset Marc Reddy described as a ‘u-turn’ by the union.

Unite regional officer Bob Lanning said a ballot will be held in the coming weeks for drivers to decide if they want to continue strike action for another three months. This is a legal requirement as the dispute has already run for 12 weeks.

But Mr Lanning said there is now some ‘breathing space’ for mediation talks in a bid to avoid prolonging the row.

He said a ballot was held to ask drivers if they wanted to continue with arbitration when First moved to add to the terms of the arbitration process a clause to prevent the union from taking any form of action for at least three months, and to make the arbitration decision legally binding.

“We put the issue of arbitration to the drivers in a ballot and the overwhelming response decision was ‘we’re not going there’. They have no trust or faith in First.

“It does not mean it’s a dead duck. I will try to get the arbitration service to come back and arranged mediation discussions. There will be a breathing space of about four weeks before we reballot over further action. I think the last thing anyone wants is to see this continue.”

Strike action is currently taking place in Weymouth and Bridport and is set to last until midnight on Saturday.

Mr Reddy said the news about the arbitration talks is ‘disappointing’, but that First is ‘committed’ to bringing an end to the battle, which centres on pay but also concerns issues such as sick pay and the time drivers are expected to work without a break.

He added: “This latest u-turn from the Union is very disappointing.  Throughout this entire dispute, they have acted irresponsibly and without sound reason or judgement.  I fear that our drivers are being misled and misadvised by their union officials.

“In this latest episode, it’s clear that the Union had no intention of entering in to a process whereby an independently appointed arbitrator makes a decision on pay, despite publicly stating an appetite to enter arbitration talks. When arbitration takes place industrial action normally ceases. 

“We remain absolutely committed to resolving this dispute as soon as possible and allow our drivers to revert to what they do best – transporting customers in and around Weymouth.  However, until the union stops playing games, it is difficult to foresee a resolution in the short term.”