First Bus Bristol Driver Strike Announced For October

Further strikes announced for Bristol after talks broke down

As the city comes to the end of four days of First Bus Bristol driver strikes, it’s been announced that a further two weeks of strike action will be taking place next month.

Over 600 drivers at First West of England’s City Line have voted to take two weeks of fresh action.

Talks broke down between First West of England, part of First Bus and Unite union, meaning workers from Lawrence Hill and Hengrove will walk out rom 01 – 14 October 2025.

Union Unite says that workers at City Line are struggling with the rising cost of living, the long hours they work and assaults they can suffering dealing with the public.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “First Bus is a very profitable firm, but its hardworking workers are struggling to pay the bills – the situation is deplorable and it is little wonder they have voted to take further industrial action.

“This dispute has been entirely the fault of the employer who has put profits over people throughout. We will support the affected members every step of the way throughout this dispute.”

“We are striking for better pay because we don’t believe the company’s offer is fair and reasonable,” one of the workers said.

“We believe we are worth more than it has offered us.

“We often suffer abuse and rudeness while driving the buses. Spitting happens and the company gives you barely any support when you’ve been abused.”

Unite has offered to meet First West of England for further negotiations, but it has refused to negotiate with Unite and has also refused support from the conciliation service Acas.

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