Bus drivers at Rossendale Transport are set to launch a series of one-day strikes following a pay protest. Members of the Unite union say they are unhappy at a 1.3 per cent pay deal put in place in October.
They have voted for 'discontinous action' over a three-month period to put pressure on bosses.
Cathy Rudderforth, Unite East Lancashire organiser said staff were not happy about the offered pay increase.
She said: "Members already receive £2 an hour less than their colleagues elsewhere and it's not unreasonable to expect a better offer than one per cent.
"We have said that one per cent in the current climate is unrealistic and unfair, but we have never shut the door on any negotiation.
"We are very disappointed we have got to this point, and despite what people mighty think, striking is not a decision that we take lightly – we try to avoid them at all costs.
"But there doesn't seem to be any moves on the part of the company to come and talk to us and we feel we have no choice."
Union members will strike for three hours per day on Monday February 6, Tuesday February 14, Wednesday February 22, Thursday March 1, Friday March 9, Monday March 12, Tuesday March 20, Wednesday March 28, Thursday April 5, Friday, April 13 and Monday April 16.
Alastair Nuttall, managing director of Rossendale Transport Limited, said the firm regretted the union's decision.
He said: " Of those ‘Unite’ members entitled to vote in this ballot, less than 50 per cent voted in favour of industrial action, with less than 40 per cent voting in favour of strike action.
"We have always made it clear to Unite that the company is prepared to discuss with them anything which can contribute towards improving pay and conditions."
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My God!! They want lessons in how to stop at bus stops and how to be on time. Then, lessons in how to respond to the public. This is the worst company in the country. They get crap pay so they take it out on the customer. I have seen them kick ten year old kids off the bus for taking too long to find their ticket. They refuse to let children on at childrens price even wearing school uniform and carrying a passport (how do I know? Because we have tried it with my daughter when Easyride demanded an extra, paid for, bus pass on top of the one she has from LCC.
I have no sympathy for these guys at all. I guarantee, you print this and there will be tons of stories just like mine. They hold a gun to the head of Rossendale because there is no competition. We would give anything for Burnley and Pendle to more routes in Rossendale.
I must jump to the defence of the bus drivers here, I wouldn't do their job for all the tea in China, on the whole they do a great job and deserve every penny of their pay