The “complete shutdown” of services in Northern Ireland will begin soon in the same week as some A-Level exams.
Last month’s planned strike by GMB and Unite unions was called off after Translink made a revised pay offer, but unions rejected the offer on Monday.
The industrial action will now take place over seven days, starting next week and will include drivers, cleaners and maneuvers.
Read more:Translink resumed the strike after members rejected the pay offer
On what date is the strike action?
The industrial action will last for seven days from Tuesday, May 17 to Monday, May 23, 2022.
What did the unions say?
GMB regional organizer Peter McLean said: “Translink bus employees have once again shown their anger and frustration with the company.
“They were proud to do their duty during the pandemic, even though they were potentially putting themselves and their families at risk.
“Now they need help to deal with the devastating cost of living crisis they are facing, but the bosses are not listening.
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“The dispute, which affects bus drivers, cleaners and shunters, will close the entire bus network in Northern Ireland. It will be a complete halt.”
Translink says they are “disappointed”
A Translink spokesman said: “We are disappointed to learn that the Unite and GMB bus driver unions voted with relatively small margins to take unprecedented industrial action from Tuesday, May 17 to May 23.
“After lengthy negotiations, we have made another significant offer for 2021, including an improved package of conditions that we believe are fair and reasonable.
“At this stage, once we have exhausted all possibilities, we will start making difficult decisions in preparation for the impact of the strike.
“However, we remain committed to working with the unions to prevent this.
“We would welcome the opportunity to engage with the unions to cover school obligations so that the well-being of students remains a priority, especially after many enter the exam period.
“All train services will continue to operate normally. Translink apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused. “
Parents have concerns about transportation to and from school
Belfast Live talks to parents who say that although they are not critical of any party, they are worried about the stress caused by trying to organize school transport.
May 17 also marks the start of some A-Level exams for children in Northern Ireland – and “on top of that, they are already worried about buses.”
A parent living in Glenarif said: “My two children receive two buses to school, one at 7.50 in the morning and then another from the terminal to school.
“This is not a school bus, but a regular Translink company bus, which will be shut down this week.
“We only have one car at the moment. My wife works from home and I take the car to work – I will have to rearrange my day to make sure the children get to school. Not that this is the end of the world for me, we are lucky to be able to do this, but I am sure there are others who cannot.
“My son is taking his AS-Level exams this year, the same week as the strikes, and this will be his first exam since the pandemic. He’s already quite stressed about it. “
Another parent repeated these thoughts – he said that “stress is unrealistic”.
Frequent travelers request refunds
Those who use Translink travel frequently and pay in advance for passes, asked if they are eligible for a refund.
One man asked, “I have a monthly bus ticket. What is the procedure for requesting a partial refund if a strike takes place in the coming weeks?”
A Translink spokesman said: “We remain committed to working with unions to prevent this and will communicate relevant passenger information through our website and social media channels when we receive more information.
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