According to a Star headline today there is now a posibility of yet another strike by our old friends the bus drivers of First South Yorkshire. This has become something of an annual event in Sheffield (with last year spared because the last pay deal lasted for two years.

I said on this forum two years ago (during the last such strike) that if the union were not broken then, they would be at it again before too long. Looks like it is at least a possibility. :rant:

whens it gunna be?

whens it gunna be?

I don't think it's definate yet but it looks as though it is at least a possibility.

Does this mean that we can drive in the bus lanes, something none of us would ever normally think of doing?

I assume pay talks are still ongoing.

And if First go on strike, there are still buses run by Stagecoach or TM Travel in many areas, and trams and trains to some areas too.

More people should start walking!

I don't understand people who live close to town, say London Road area who stand around waiting for a bus to go to town!

Stop being lazy and use your legs!!!

The fact is that people have a right to expect that buses are running and if they are not for whatever reason they have every right to be angry.

Most passengers are sick to the back teeth of striking bus drivers. it happens far too often. personally I would sack the lot and gets loads of cheap Polish etc drivers to replace them. and also stop them joining a bloody union. That would make some difference.

But are they really paid enough for the job they do? They get alot of greif sometimes...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not overly happy about them striking again as I use the buses alot but I'm just trying to look at it form their point of view...

Does this mean that we can drive in the bus lanes, something none of us would ever normally think of doing?

Unless you have a B.M.W. :rolleyes:

Does this mean that we can drive in the bus lanes, something none of us would ever normally think of doing?
No, you'd still be looking at a fine if you did and were caught doing so.

i'm sure they are just thinking about doing it to inconvenience you personally slimsid, so you have every right to moan.
Of course if they had a legitimate complaint, about pay and conditions for example, then i'm sure you'd support them in getting a fair deal, no?

The fact is that people have a right to expect that buses are running and if they are not for whatever reason they have every right to be angry.

Most passengers are sick to the back teeth of striking bus drivers. it happens far too often. personally I would sack the lot and gets loads of cheap Polish etc drivers to replace them. and also stop them joining a bloody union. That would make some difference.


Is that a civil right or perhaps a basic human right ? :D

If First South Yorks did manage to replace all their current drivers with Polish drivers they wouldn't keep them for long, - the pay is much better in Leeds or Manchester or anywhere really.

Perhaps all the angry people should write to First and ask why their operations in other areas aren't plagued by pay strikes ?

to be honest if someone told me to **** off for £8.25 an hour i'd not care

what annoys me is that mainline NEVER put the bloody pram step down on the bus - and i have to struggle to get the pram off

Oneday i'm going to have a word with the driver

to be honest if someone told me to **** off for £8.25 an hour i'd not care

what annoys me is that mainline NEVER put the bloody pram step down on the bus - and i have to struggle to get the pram off

Oneday i'm going to have a word with the driver

What and ASK him to actually lower the floor?!

Regarding the pay talks i heard that they have only been offered 1.8% thats not even the rate of inflation!

rock on Stagecoach then

Does this mean that we can drive in the bus lanes, something none of us would ever normally think of doing?
not unless youve got your taxi license and/or plates

But are they really paid enough for the job they do? They get alot of greif sometimes...
...Like not having the correct change?:lol:

...Like not having the correct change?:lol:
spend notes on it now its easier than piling up the coins

More people should start walking!

I don't understand people who live close to town, say London Road area who stand around waiting for a bus to go to town!

Stop being lazy and use your legs!!!

Don't presume we're going into town - me and loads of others get buses to work from London Road/Sharrow...........through town and out the other side!!!!

Don't presume we're going into town - me and loads of others get buses to work from London Road/Sharrow...........through town and out the other side!!!!
Beware of 'The Foot Patrol'!:wink::lol:

not unless youve got your taxi license and/or plates
or in some lanes in Sheffield, on a motorcycle (very good idea)

Sorry to deflate this thread but this latest headline about the drivers going on strike is just mischief making by people who should know better the fact is the staff have not, as yet had a postal ballot as required by law to take industrial action.

I am a student at sheff uni and am distguested at the buses here! In Birmingham it costs me £1.20 to get from the beginning to the end of the bus route and this is a standard rate e.g. stourbridge to birmingham. This is value for money compared to sheff buses especially first! £1.50 from the unversity to crookes is ridculous and its a quarter of the route that is in birmingham.
Sheffield transport seems nutty! Sort it out sheffield transport executive oh and look at centro for guidance!!!!

Rant Over

:suspect:

to be honest if someone told me to **** off for £8.25 an hour i'd not care

£8.25 an hour is tantamount to slave labour when you consider that a bus driver can have as many as 70+ lives in his hands when that bus is full and could also inflict a great amount of damage with the 10+ tonnes that he is in control of. I reckon that £18.25 an hour would perhaps be rather nearer the mark considering the drivers responsibilities.

As for this c**p about breaking the Unions, maybe it's about time that the Unions broke the spirit of the employers like they used to do back in the 1960s & 1970s and made them pay a proper wage for a fair days toil.

I doubt that this point of view will go down too well with the Thatcherite fascist element out there but I can live with that, because I have a pathological hatred for the bitch, all that it ever stood for, and all those who think(?) like it. :evil:

Well it amazes me how the bus drivers of first still have jobs in sheffield when there are other companies such as stagecoach formally Yorkshire terrier that run buses for a lower wage and still manage to do a much better job of time keeping , well i recall sheffield council saying something about doing something about first should this all happen again with strikes and bus fares increasing, i hope the time is now so that we can have a proper bus service in sheffield rarther than this pathetic sham first call public transport, then maybe the boot will be on the other foot

Well it amazes me how the bus drivers of first still have jobs in sheffield when there are other companies such as stagecoach formally Yorkshire terrier that run buses for a lower wage and still manage to do a much better job of time keeping , well i recall sheffield council saying something about doing something about first should this all happen again with strikes and bus fares increasing, i hope the time is now so that we can have a proper bus service in sheffield rarther than this pathetic sham first call public transport, then maybe the boot will be on the other foot

Is it my imagination or are First taking a bit of a bashing in Sheffield at the moment Stagecoach seem to be taking quite a lot of trade away I wonder if the First 'managers' have even noticed as yet.

Is it my imagination or are First taking a bit of a bashing in Sheffield at the moment Stagecoach seem to be taking quite a lot of trade away I wonder if the First 'managers' have even noticed as yet.

I doubt first's management arent the least bothered because they have the majority of trade here anyways as i said Stagecoach do a sterling job cheaper bus fares, cleaner buses and friendlier drivers all for a pay packet less than firsts drivers but the unfortunate thing about it is that stagecoach dont have enough routes to compete at there level, heres one that hopes that changes soon

I doubt first's management arent the least bothered because they have the majority of trade here anyways as i said Stagecoach do a sterling job cheaper bus fares, cleaner buses and friendlier drivers all for a pay packet less than firsts drivers but the unfortunate thing about it is that stagecoach dont have enough routes to compete at there level, heres one that hopes that changes soon

It will, believe me it will.
As regards attitudes,cheerfull drivers etc why do Stagecoach drivers have better attitudes etc and in some cases earning less per hour than their First counterparts perhaps could I suggest its something to do with man management and treating their staff with respect.

It would help if Stagecoach ran a bus up Halifax Road now ~_~

Can I join you in your hatred of "Thatcher" her and her cronies have a lot to answer for, their selfish, money grubbing policies and "I'M ALRIGHT JACK" attitudes towards everything did nothing for the working man and his offsprings. It's good to hear that the hatred still festers. I for one will crack a bottle when she finally goes under.

Let's all use our cars, and let the bus drivers rot, the money grabbing selfish, bad driving sods. My car never goes on strike for more pay, it never asks if I've got the right change, its never surly or rude, and it never carries noisy, drunk, violent passengers, (unless you count the wife when we're coming back from a party).
Then when the bus drivers are all out of work, living in abject poverty and having to take their families to Chapel St Leonards for the annual holiday, they'll wish they hadn't been so greedy.

£8.25 an hour is tantamount to slave labour when you consider that a bus driver can have as many as 70+ lives in his hands when that bus is full and could also inflict a great amount of damage with the 10+ tonnes that he is in control of. I reckon that £18.25 an hour would perhaps be rather nearer the mark considering the drivers responsibilities.

As for this c**p about breaking the Unions, maybe it's about time that the Unions broke the spirit of the employers like they used to do back in the 1960s & 1970s and made them pay a proper wage for a fair days toil.

I doubt that this point of view will go down too well with the Thatcherite fascist element out there but I can live with that, because I have a pathological hatred for the bitch, all that it ever stood for, and all those who think(?) like it. :evil:

dont be daft, they are friggin bus drivers - not life savers! some of these barstweards deserve about £2 an hour, miserable ********

Here is a statement on the first website today:
15/06/2006 First and Trade Union Negotiations

Further to recent comment via local media customers are advised of the following.

First have been negotiating with the T&GWU to achieve settlement of a recent pay claim. Although a ballot has been arranged, we are awaiting continued discussions with the trade union representatives, and we believe a settlement will be achieved without industrial action.

Further updates will be available via the first website.

No, you'd still be looking at a fine if you did and were caught doing so.

I was joking ;)

i'm sure they are just thinking about doing it to inconvenience you personally slimsid, so you have every right to moan.
Of course if they had a legitimate complaint, about pay and conditions for example, then i'm sure you'd support them in getting a fair deal, no?

No I couldn't care less about their pay and conditions - that's their problem. What I do care about is all the problems caused (again) by a strike.

Stop complaining its getting you nowhere, just stop using them and find an alternate solution.

Sorry to deflate this thread but this latest headline about the drivers going on strike is just mischief making by people who should know better the fact is the staff have not, as yet had a postal ballot as required by law to take industrial action.

Yes, but a strike is not ruled out yet either. the fact that they are even talking about one just two years after the last strike shows what a selfish bunch of money grabbers they are. And before anyone says they are doing it for the traveling people of Sheffield - that is bull****. Strikers NEVER go on strike for the benefit of customers (whatever they may claim) but always for their own good.:rant:

Yes, but a strike is not ruled out yet either. the fact that they are even talking about one just two years after the last strike shows what a selfish bunch of money grabbers they are. And before anyone says they are doing it for the traveling people of Sheffield - that is bull****. Strikers NEVER go on strike for the benefit of customers (whatever they may claim) but always for their own good.:rant:

I assume you don't believe in the right to protest.

£8.25 an hour is tantamount to slave labour

Well it was obviously good enough for them two years back when they settled for it after yet another strike. Inflation in the intervening period is not that much. And any pay rise for drivers will mean higher fares for passengers. Whatever they get we will end up paying.

Since the drivers themselves sold out to First in 1998 (for around £30,000 each) there have been strikes almost every year or the threat of strikes. I think the traveling public of Sheffield have had enough of them and have precious little sympathy for there pay demands. Lots of people have low pay (lower than bus drivers in some cases) but they don't go on strike.

inflation is running at 2% per annum sid, maybe you should check your facts before talking.

You have no idea how many of the drivers currently employed worked for mainline, chances are that many of the current drivers did not, and so they didn't get the mythical £30,000 payout (which was in the form of a share transfer and not cash).

Basically what you are saying here
No I couldn't care less about their pay and conditions - that's their problem. What I do care about is all the problems caused (again) by a strike.
is that you are selfish and are putting your needs above theirs.
Rather hypocritical really isn't, accusing them of striking selfishly which is an act of selfishness itself.

£8.25 was what they settled for 2 years ago, given that they have a pay review every year by contract, and that the curent one is now nearly 1/3rd of a year late (not to mention that the offering is lower than inflation) they have every right to complain. Whereas you have none.

Whereas you have none.

Of cause he has a right to complain.

He (being a member of the public) is complaining about the possible disruption to public transport.

Can I join you in your hatred of "Thatcher" her and her cronies have a lot to answer for, their selfish, money grubbing policies and "I'M ALRIGHT JACK" attitudes towards everything did nothing for the working man and his offsprings. It's good to hear that the hatred still festers. I for one will crack a bottle when she finally goes under.

You can't balme thatcher for the problems in Sheffield and the power of the unions! Thatcher basically introduced privatisation to reduce Government spending and inturn taxes which you all pay ( i'm a student so don't have too). If there were still national and state run companies there would still be problems as these are monpolies and are ineffiecient and plus there would be more strikes and HIGHER TAXES!!!!

So really its not the Government of Thatcher to blame or that of Major's or Blair's Birtiain is now a more economically active and competitive nation thanks to the policy of thatchers and inflation and interest rates are now low and benficial to everyone

SO THERE WE GO!!!! :thumbsup:

Giving the drivers another increase will mean them putting the fares up yet again and First buses are too expensive £1.80 7 STOPS TO TOWN.= RIP OFF.

Time the council showed some bottle and got rid of first group

Of cause he has a right to complain.

He (being a member of the public) is complaining about the possible disruption to public transport.

In that case They (being employees of a private company) have the right to strike to force the management to grant a reasonable rise in pay. It's a private company, what it does is irrelevant, and complaining about the strike (which is still only a rumour) is hypocritical.

Blair's Birtiain is now a more economically active and competitive nation thanks to the policy of thatchers

SO THERE WE GO!!!! :thumbsup:

...and I thought thatching was a dying trade.

£1.50 for 3 stops I paid the other day - it's daylight robbery! I usually walk but was weighed down with B&Q purchases! I hardly get the bus now because it's such a rip off.

And to the daft sods who think that jumping in their cars is a great idea as opposed to riding the bus (or day I say it? Using your legs!) WAKE UP! You are causing the traffic and pollution in this city - not the buses!

You are causing the traffic and pollution in this city - not the buses!

Strange thing is, when the buses were on strike last time, traffic flowed much more freely....

Even stranger - when they are on strike people who have to rely on them can't get about.

Basically what you are saying here

is that you are selfish and are putting your needs above theirs.
Rather hypocritical really isn't, accusing them of striking selfishly which is an act of selfishness itself.



Too true. I am selfish too.

In business there are basically three interest group (customers, workers, owners) who are each, selfishly if you like, looking to ensure their own best interests. There is nothing either more or less selfish about a customer looking after his/her own interests than a worker doing the same. Infact considering that many bus users (not necessarily me) are some of the vulnerable members of society it could be argued that they are the least selfish of all.

Well it was obviously good enough for them two years back when they settled for it after yet another strike. Inflation in the intervening period is not that much. And any pay rise for drivers will mean higher fares for passengers. Whatever they get we will end up paying.

Since the drivers themselves sold out to First in 1998 (for around £30,000 each) there have been strikes almost every year or the threat of strikes. I think the traveling public of Sheffield have had enough of them and have precious little sympathy for there pay demands. Lots of people have low pay (lower than bus drivers in some cases) but they don't go on strike.



If bus drivers got around £30,000 in 1998 then my hubbys got an awful lot of cash stashed away that I don't know about

i was taliking to a driver today and he said that there really resigned to going on strike but wary as stagecoach are waiting to take over And feels they may tout for staff

I enjoyed the last major bus strike immensely, I used to live near town then and I was able to walk in and do my shopping without the usual hordes of people getting in my way. It was so peaceful and quiet and the air was fresher, I had free taxis to work for a few days too. Good luck to the drivers, I hope they get a substantial payrise.

its alright for some who live near town think of people further out

dont be daft, they are friggin bus drivers - not life savers! some of these barstweards deserve about £2 an hour, miserable ******** We are not all miserable ******** you know, but tehn again we have to get rid of our social life just to ferry miserable, ungrateful sods like you

We are not all miserable ******** you know, but tehn again we have to get rid of our social life just to ferry miserable, ungrateful sods like you

Which is why he said:

some of these barstweards deserve about £2 an hour

Whereas I'd have said most:thumbsup:

some of you are miserable

If you did not want to give up your social life then dont do the job! You know the hours before you sign up.

Lots of people have to work shifts, lots of people have heavy responsibility, lots of people have to work with dangerous, drunk, violent or volnerable people.

Most of these people dont get paid £8.00+ an hour!

£8.00 is more than enough pay. Customers are paying for all the pay increases and have had enough! First Bus service is poor and gets worse every month.

Sheffield Council and SYPTE needs to get this sorted out once and for all.

Are there are any first group drivers out there actually take pride in their jobs?

If I recall the Star article correctly, didn't it say that despite the last strike, the first bus group actually increasedits year end profits?

But then didn't the first bus group also increase fares 3 times in a relatively short space of time?

some of you are miserable

If you did not want to give up your social life then dont do the job! You know the hours before you sign up.

Lots of people have to work shifts, lots of people have heavy responsibility, lots of people have to work with dangerous, drunk, violent or volnerable people.

Most of these people dont get paid £8.00+ an hour!

£8.00 is more than enough pay. Customers are paying for all the pay increases and have had enough! First Bus service is poor and gets worse every month.

Sheffield Council and SYPTE needs to get this sorted out once and for all.

Are there are any first group drivers out there actually take pride in their jobs?

I stand to be corrected but I don't think the jolly old Council can have much sway in this as for the SYPTE they I think can only control to a certain extent to whom they allow to operate the tendered bus routes and that usually goes to the cheapest tender as First are a private company and operate to a certain degree as they wish as to keep the shareholders happy.

I stand to be corrected but I don't think the jolly old Council can have much sway in this as for the SYPTE they I think can only control to a certain extent to whom they allow to operate the tendered bus routes and that usually goes to the cheapest tender as First are a private company and operate to a certain degree as they wish as to keep the shareholders happy.

No need for correction, you're right. First can indeed do what they like, and care only about their profits and shareholders. That's one of the dividends (ironic pun intended) for voting for the privatisation of former publicly and municipally run industries.

I'm still amazed at the naivety of some people, who quaintly imagine that buses are some kind of 'public service', and that SYPTE and SCC can actually do something about improving things. Apart from the fact that both organisations are institutionally useless, they are also toothless, and can only do something akin to rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.

exactley bus drivers know the score when they sign for a company like first ferry us about you signed up for the job so stop moaning we are however are entitled to 4 fare rises in a year and we wll know what they will try to do next year i bet they will go up 50 p at least

Does anyone remember when SYPTE actually ran the busses. Fares were low as they were subsidised from the rates (pre poll/council tax). Some people moaned about the subsidy saying they used the car and not the busses, now we all sit in traffic jams regardless of our chosen methods of transport. After the susidies ended the rates never came down the money just got spent on other things.
Bring back subsidised bus fares it benefits all road users!

£1.50 for 3 stops I paid the other day - it's daylight robbery! I usually walk but was weighed down with B&Q purchases! I hardly get the bus now because it's such a rip off.

And to the daft sods who think that jumping in their cars is a great idea as opposed to riding the bus (or day I say it? Using your legs!) WAKE UP! You are causing the traffic and pollution in this city - not the buses!



That is why there are people in the cars. If all four in our house go to town its cheaper to go by taxi than bus. The first group is ripping us off big time. I do hope Stagecoach get bigger and kick first group out

bus drivers all want to learnb to bloody drive again!! im sick of them pulling out on me!!

caught two buses today and some aussies got on the last one and driver was very abrupt with them good example to set for sheffield eh ?

I caught the 47 Shiregreen/Herdings bus last Wednesday and as I boarded it the driver had his mobile phone in his right hand and he looked as if he had just sent a text as he was still using the keys. So its logical to assume that if it was in his hand when he stopped he must have used it while driving.
His number is14556 and I boarded the bus at 17.36 outside the now closed Sunwin house.

Very interesting today is the article in the Star where the SYPTE will be sending representatives to London to meet a group who represent the DfT. This is all about investigating the feasibility of quality contracts. At the moment no one is brave enough to enforce the contracts so lets hope the SYPTE will be the first to do so :thumbsup:

yes 47/48 again this route seems to be getting some cocky drivers the other day going along shoreham street on the 48 the driver drives on not turning off i go and remind him that its the 48 and he tells me in a nasty manner go and sit down and he reverses the bus back along shoreham

I welcome the bus strike, the traffic on the road seems to ease.

well slow progress u would people who have to use them would not

well slow progress u would people who have to use them would not

Top post Ormester! :thumbsup:

Unless you have a B.M.W. :rolleyes:

;) a lane is a lane mate

Do you really think that Stagecoach would keep the cheap fares if Worst Painline were to disappear? I don't think so!

The offer is 17p an hour for Worst Group Staff, this is after 4 FOUR increases in fares! Any more money, even pence is to be paid back by pension capping.

Pension's are low enough already without trying to lower them further. The top managers don't see their pensions capped.

Bus drivers aren;t perfect but new starters are on around £6.20 per hour on shifts. Start one week at 0358 and finish the next at 0040. Take home pay is around £165.

Don't fall into the trap.