Bus passengers have been told to expect disruption over two days this week due to strike action by drivers and staff with First South West.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has confirmed that members intend to take industrial action in Cornwall and Somerset this Tuesday (July 23) and Wednesday (July 24) over pay.

Services from Cornwall by Kernow, Adventures by Bus, and Buses of Somerset will be impacted.

First Bus South West said that it “will do all it can” to operate as many services as possible, adding that it would like to apologise for the disruption that customers may experience during the strikes.

It confirmed that school services should still run, as well as the Truro Park & Ride, adding that it planned to run a modified U1/U1A service between Falmouth and Newquay, focusing on the early morning and later services for hospital staff.

More details on the expected effect on services can be found below.

'Extremely disappointing' says First

A spokesperson for First South West said: “Unfortunately, despite making an improved offer, the RMT have refused to put this offer to their members and instead confirmed they will take strike action - which is completely unnecessary while negotiations are ongoing.

“This is extremely disappointing, as the RMT’s unwillingness to work with us not only impacts our colleagues but causes unnecessary disruption to our passengers who rely on the bus for work, education and important appointments.

“The RMT were invited to continue to engage with us next week instead of striking but they’ve decided to proceed with their planned action.

“We will be in touch the RMT on next steps and would like to apologise to our customers for the disruption the strike action will cause in Cornwall and Somerset.”

What the union has said

The union said earlier this month that the strike followed extensive negotiations and a vote in favour of industrial action by more than 300 RMT members, after a failed attempt to secure an acceptable offer over pay.

The union said that despite numerous meetings, including sessions facilitated by ACAS, First South West’s proposals were overwhelmingly rejected in a member referendum.

It also said that the company’s latest offer was deemed “insufficient”, particularly in light of First Group’s recent profit announcements.

Welcoming the ballot result, RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch said: “Our members have sent a clear message to First South West; they will not accept being amongst the lowest paid transport workers in the region.

"The company's offer to hard-working staff is particularly insulting given the huge pay-outs given to First Group boss Graham Sutherland.

"If First Group can find £800k in bonuses for top management, they can find money for bus workers.”

Service information for Cornwall Tuesday and Wednesday

  • Truro Park & Ride (PR1 / PR1A) is expected to be the only registered bus service to operate a full timetable as normal. However, no services are guaranteed, and customers should check for the latest updates before travel as services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
  • All current school services (where schools have not broken up for the summer) should still operate, including the morning and afternoon service on the U4. However, no services are guaranteed, and parents and carers should check for the latest updates before travel as school services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
  • First South West said it plans for any available staff to be deployed on a modified U1/U1A service between Falmouth and Newquay, focusing on the early morning and later services for hospital staff. However, no services are guaranteed, and customers should check for the latest updates before travel as services may be subject to last minute change or cancellation.
  • A ‘Sunday’ service will operate on the 24, 29 and Atlantic Coaster routes.
  • All other services may operate pending on the driver availability, prioritising the T1/2 service if possible.

Earlier this month Cornwall by Kernow, which is part of First Group, announced plans close its Helston outstation depot - next to Sainsbury’s fuel station on July 28, in order for the business to run more ‘cost-effectively.’

You can read more about the outstation closure here: Bus operator announces plans to close depot in Cornwall

The company said that all bus services that previously operated from the Helston location would transfer to Cornwall by Kernow’s depots in Falmouth and Penzance.

It has also reassured passengers that they can expect an ‘uninterrupted service’ and school contracts will continue to remain the same from the neighbouring depot.