Greater Manchester is set to experience widespread disruption across its public transport network as bus drivers employed by Bee Network operators initiate strike action. The first wave of industrial action is scheduled from Friday, September 19, lasting through the weekend until Monday, September 22. Further strikes have also been announced for Tuesday, September 30, to Thursday, October 2. This coordinated action, involving over 2,000 members of the Unite union, marks the first significant industrial dispute since buses were brought under public control by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's Bee Network.

The strikes are primarily a result of long-running disputes over pay and working conditions. Drivers at Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester, and First Bus Rochdale have rejected pay offers, which Unite has deemed 'unsatisfactory' in light of 'years of low pay' and the 'ongoing cost of living crisis,' with inflation currently at 3.8%. Specifically, drivers at Stagecoach and Metroline Manchester rejected a 3.5% pay offer, while 110 members at First Bus Rochdale turned down a 6% offer.

Adding to the grievances concerning pay, Unite union bosses have expressed outrage over an 'insulting' message sent by Stagecoach to its drivers. The memo, titled 'quick pit stop reminder,' encouraged drivers to urinate into bottles if 'tight schedules' prevented proper comfort breaks, asking them to dispose of bottles 'properly' to 'keep our buses fresh, clean and respectful.' Unite criticized Stagecoach for not providing adequate toilet facilities, highlighting that the law requires employers to provide 'adequate' facilities. General Secretary Sharon Graham condemned the message, stating that Stagecoach's attitude was 'disgusting' and demonstrated a lack of care for staff welfare, especially for women drivers who have no alternative to proper restrooms. Drivers also pointed out that previous staffed toilet facilities on frequent routes, such as the 192 through Stockport, have been closed or replaced with unreliable alternatives, suggesting that Stagecoach prioritizes profits over people.

It is estimated that around two-thirds of all Bee Network buses across Greater Manchester will be off the roads during the strike periods, significantly impacting commuters, including school services. Areas such as Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, and Trafford will see numerous services affected. However, bus services in Wigan and Bolton, along with some specific routes in north Manchester and the free city centre bus, will continue to operate. Local Link and Ring and Ride services will also run as usual. Metrolink trams and train services will operate normally, though they are expected to be much busier than usual.

In response to the anticipated disruption, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has implemented special measures to assist passengers. Bus tickets and passes, including seven-day, 28-day, term-time, annual, concessionary, Our Pass, and Care Leavers passes, will be accepted on all Metrolink trams during strike days. Additionally, these passes will be valid on specific Northern and TransPennine Express train services in affected areas, facilitating travel from outlying boroughs into Manchester city centre. TfGM has published a list of supported Northern and TransPennine Express services and will deploy extra staff at key interchanges to help passengers navigate their journeys.

Despite these mitigation efforts, communities without easy access to rail or tram alternatives are expected to be severely impacted. Residents of Hollingworth, a small village on the border of Tameside and High Peak, fear being 'cut off' from the city-region. With no nearby train station or tram stop, and existing issues with bus unreliability and heavy traffic, older residents, who are highly reliant on buses, face significant challenges. Residents like former bus driver Bob Phillips and Carol Warhurst expressed frustration over the loss of a 'lifeline' and the prospect of having to pay for expensive taxis, highlighting that TfGM's alternative routes are not viable in their rural location. The strikes also coincide with major events in Manchester, including a Manchester United vs Chelsea football match and several concerts, which will likely exacerbate travel difficulties.

TfGM Chief Network Officer Danny Vaughan emphasized that bus operators are responsible for their staff's pay and conditions, urging continued talks between unions and operators to reach an agreement and avoid further disruption. He acknowledged the impact on people's ability to get around and advised passengers to check their service status and plan alternative journeys well in advance, expecting travel to be busier than normal.