ARRIVA bus drivers are set to strike again tomorrow, following the rejection of the latest pay offer made by the company.

Drivers went on strike at the start of June, due to low wages, but this was suspended on June 30 as an act of goodwill as a new pay offer was issued by Arriva.

Unite, the UK’s leading union recorded a 53.7 percent vote in favour of rejecting Arriva’s latest pay offer.

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, Unite reports, drivers are struggling to make ends meet with newly recruited bus drivers paid only £9.78 an hour.

Following the rejection of the deal, all-out continuous strikes will begin again at 2am on Wednesday, July 13

Arriva bus depots in Castleford, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Selby and Wakefield will face strike action, with limited services, which could cause severe travel disruption.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members have rejected Arriva’s offer – it must come back with an improved one. As part of a global transport giant, it can afford to do so.”

Unite regional officer Phil Brown said: “Our members want to get back to work, but that requires Arriva to put forward a new offer and for the company to leave the workforce alone while they consider it.”

A spokesperson for Arriva UK Bus said:“For Unite to call this indefinite strike in Yorkshire with just hours’ notice is appalling. 

"Customers who will be relying on buses to travel will be seriously inconvenienced with no warning provided.  

"And for such damaging action to be taken when half of the drivers have not voted to support returning to strike action is shocking.”   

 “We are deeply frustrated on behalf of all our customers and the communities we serve for the disruption they face.”     

“Following extensive negotiations, we have already put forward a fair and generous offer which helps address the cost of living challenge, despite passenger numbers being lower than before the pandemic.”   

“Unite should immediately call off the strike and we are calling on ACAS to mediate.”

“We intend to run the limited school service that we ran during the initial strike.”