Bus passengers across Ayrshire and Arran face six weeks of significant travel disruption as more than 400 Stagecoach drivers begin an extended strike over pay, in what union leaders have described as a battle over “respect and fairness”.
The industrial action, which started on Monday, will run until 21 July, with only a limited service operating across the region. It marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between drivers and the transport giant.
What’s Behind the Strike?
The Unite union said the walkout follows repeated failures by Stagecoach to improve on a 4% pay rise offer made back in November — a deal it has slammed as “simply unacceptable”.
Drivers from depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock are participating in the strike, having already taken part in three 24-hour stoppages in May and June. But this latest move represents a step-change in tactics, with the union now committing to sustained industrial pressure.
According to Unite, the current offer includes conditions such as longer unpaid breaks, reduced annual leave, and longer working hours — terms that the union says equate to paying for your own pay rise.
“This is simply unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated by Unite,” said Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer.
She added that drivers remain open to negotiation — but only if Stagecoach returns to the table with a genuine offer.
Families Caught in the Middle
Among those already feeling the impact is Kelly Ann Bigham, 31, from Darvel in East Ayrshire. Her 22-month-old daughter, Alana, attends nursery in Kilmarnock twice a week.
With buses such as the Number 9 to Stewarton and Number 3 to Onthank suspended, Kelly fears her daughter will be stuck at home for weeks.
“Alana loves nursery. She’s got wee friends there and she really looks forward to it,” she said.
“If they don’t sort this out, my daughter could miss nursery for six weeks. I just hope they come to an agreement quickly.”
Kelly also uses the time to meet family, and said the strike has left her feeling isolated.
Stagecoach Responds
Stagecoach has said it regrets the disruption and is working to keep as many services running as possible — including by bringing in drivers from other areas. Services in Cumbernauld and Dumfries and Galloway are unaffected.
“We’re working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption,” said a Stagecoach spokesperson.
“But unfortunately, the limited services we’re running will affect customers travelling in and around Ayrshire.”
The company reiterated its position that any pay deal must be “fair and sustainable” — one that balances staff needs with the long-term viability of local services.
Stagecoach has also denied claims of heavy-handed tactics at picket lines, stating it simply reminded staff that industrial action must remain peaceful and within the law.
Union Support and Legal History
The strike follows months of tensions between Unite and Stagecoach, including a threat of legal action in April over the alleged cancellation of drivers’ holiday dates — a move later withdrawn as talks resumed.
There have also been claims by the union that CCTV was used to monitor picket lines — accusations Stagecoach has rejected.
“Unite will continue to support these workers through any hardship,” McCready said, adding that the union is determined to win “a fair wage for a fair day’s work”.
A Test Case for Industrial Action in Scotland
BBC Scotland’s Jamie McIvor notes the dispute could have national significance, highlighting a growing willingness by workers in key services to take longer, more disruptive action in pursuit of better pay.
“Moving towards six weeks of continuous strike action is a big escalation,” he writes.
“It represents the kind of industrial action that is now relatively rare — and a willingness by workers to make a real sacrifice.”
But as with many disputes of this kind, resolution is likely to depend on who blinks first.
