200 bus drivers to strike

Almost 200 bus drivers are to stage a 24-hour strike in a row over pay and working conditions threatening disruption to services, it was announced today.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said the walkout next Monday will have a "massive impact" on Stagecoach bus services across the East Midlands.

The drivers, based at Mansfield and Worksop depots, will also launch a week-long ban on overtime.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said the drivers had voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action reflecting their anger at the Stagecoach-owned company.

"Stagecoach have made massive profits out of their operations at the expense of the travelling public and their staff in the East Midlands have said loud and clear that enough is enough."