12:00, 24th November 2006

Industrial Action - The Facts and Figures

There are a number of significant errors and inaccuracies in T&GWU statements which have been reproduced in the media in recent weeks, and which we would like to take this opportunity to address:

• TGWU: Drivers earn £22,000 before overtime.
• FACT: Drivers earn £24,180 before overtime and the deal currently being offered will see this rise to £25,500 before overtime or £28,500 after overtime.

• TGWU: Engineers are striking too.
• FACT: No engineers have been on strike throughout the dispute.

• TGWU: "The strike has solid support."
• FACT: On EVERY DAY of the strike so far, Metroline has managed to run services, albeit on a limited basis in some areas.

• TGWU say: "If other bus operators can find up to six per cent, why can't Metroline?"
• FACT: No other bus operator is offering over 5%. That is the maximum currently being offered in the London bus market. We are making that offer available but the T&GWU appear unwilling to even discuss our offer.

Metroline have made every attempt to negotiate with the T&GWU throughout the current dispute but the union appear unwilling to do so.