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Unite representative hits out at claimed misinformation

As the bus strike continues its second day, a Unite representative has hit out at what he calls the misinformation put out by the chief minister about the union's shop stewards.

Billy Chesnut says he's not blaming Allan Bell, but suggests he needs to make sure what he's being told by his officers is factually correct.

In an interview with Manx Radio which was broadcast this lunchtime, Mr Bell said four out of five Unite shop stewards were on holiday while the current strike wes going on, so wouldn't be personally affected by the action.

Calling Talking Heads to respond, Mr Chesnut told Stuart Peters that simply was not the case:

Most services are cancelled and a few routes are operating to weekend timetables today

Picket lines around the Island are being manned by staff who’ve staged a three-day walkout which is due to continue tomorrow.

The dispute is over plans by the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure to try and save £300,000 from its budget this year. Measures include the removal of paid lunchbreaks and longer working hours.

Steam trains and the Manx Electric Railway are providing replacement services for some routes again today.

You can find information about today’s services at manxradio.com, on our Facebook page, on the government website gov.im and by calling the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal on 662525.

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