Crunch talks to avoid bus drivers’ walkout in Dundee

National Express Dundee management have invited union leaders to a meeting to try to end the disruption to services in the city.

More than 100 services were cancelled on Monday in a row about overtime. Management had to drive some buses to ensure some services could still operate.

There are fears of a repeat on Friday and next Monday. A management spokesman said the company is relying on more overtime due to a higher than usual percentage of staff leaving the business.

He said: “All overtime is completely voluntary and is paid at a higher rate of pay than a standard shift. Phil Smith has invited the union to a meeting at the garage on Wednesday to discuss their concerns.”

Doug Maguire of the Unite union said drivers are refusing to work extra hours due to “excessive overtime” already worked.

“The job relies at this moment in time on overtime because of the fact there are posts lying empty,” he said.

“People are working three or four days when they’re supposed to be on a long weekend off. The company are relying on the goodwill of drivers to work additional hours, over and above their normal hours.”