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Unite ballot members on bus strike

The Unite union says ‘common ground’ was reached in yesterday's (Thursday) negotiations over a possible bus strike.

Bus drivers are being balloted today (Friday) on whether they want to accept revised conditions of employment or continue with the strikes planned for Tynwald Day and July 6.

In a statement released this morning, the union says ‘both sides have found a common ground and we have been able to reach agreement on a proposal close to the parameters we were working towards which we can now ballot our members on.’

Unite boss Steve Salter goes on to say: ‘I feel that it was beneficial for both parties to have had the opportunity to explain the rational behind the various proposals that have been put forward.’

He says ‘given the imminent attack by the UK government on the Island’s VAT sharing agreement’, it was vital a revised offer could be agreed which would give members an element of protection for their current sick pay agreement and also give the department some much needed efficiency savings.

He believes it's likely the majority of government departments will see their budgets reduced by the Treasury yet again in the light of any further possible loss in VAT revenue.

A further statement is expected from the union once the ballot result is known.

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