DRIVERS at Glasgow's biggest bus company are threatening strike action in a row over staff shortages.
Trade union Unite has launched a consultative ballot to ask its 1700 members employed by First Glasgow whether they would be in favour of strikes or other industrial action over what is described as a "substantial shortage" of drivers.
Unite said recruitment and retention at the bus giant has "steadily deteriorated" over the last year due to factors such as starting pay and career progression, leaving the company short of as many as 100 drivers.
It added that pressure on existing staff has been exacerbated by a failure to bring in enough temporary drivers to cover First Glasgow's one-month contract providing replacement bus services while the Glasgow Subway is shut for repairs.
Wendy Dunsmore, Unite Regional Officer, said: “Unite members in First Glasgow should be congratulated as they are being proactive in protecting jobs, customers and communities. It is a pity First Glasgow don’t have the same commitment and we urge the company to meet with union representatives at the earliest opportunity to resolve a number of underlying issues for the benefit of the workforce, the company and the public.”
A spokesman for First Glasgow said: "We are disappointed and surprised that Unite see the need for a ballot as a number of matters are still being considered. We remain committed to further discussions with Unite representatives which had already been scheduled."
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