A BUS driver has asked for the backing of the public as strike action heads into a fourth week.

There is still no sign of a breakthrough in negotiations between Arriva and the Unite and GMB unions – with the latest offer described as “trifling” by the latter.

One anonymous bus driver, who is based in Winsford, said they were struggling ‘like everyone else’.

They said: “Please believe me when I say that most drivers don't really want to be on strike.

“We only want to get back to the wage we were on before Arriva gave us a pay cut of £3,200 a few years ago.

“Over the years that has equated to nearly £21000, which is approximately a year’s wage.

“The revenues of Arriva UK Bus parent company -Deutsche Bahn- rose 18.4 per cent in 2021 to £36.9 billion, with a net profit of £4.2 billion.

“This company can afford to give us a decent wage increase.

“Don't let them make you believe that they are struggling and that the drivers are the bad guys.”

The employee went on to say how drivers are treated less-favourably than other members of staff, including when it comes to pay.

“Over the years we have been reminded by management that we are only driver,” they added.

“So you understand what they think of their drivers.

“No-one else was given a pay cut within the depot - the engineers and allocators actually got a pay rise the same year the drivers got a pay cut.

“They have also tried to do the same at other depots, they want to keep drivers wages down while increasing the pay of other workers within the company.

“Please back us and remember we are just like you, workers with families who are struggling like everyone else.

“We know that we are on slightly better money than some other people, but we should be able to strike to get an inflation pay rise just like everyone else has the right to strike.”

George Patterson, GMB regional organiser said negotiations had broken down after the transport giant offered less than 0.5 per cent shift on its initial offer.

He said Arriva offered a rise of 8.9 per cent – with the initial offer being 8.5 per cent – as well as a non-consolidated one off bonus of £250.

“Working people are facing the worst cost of living crisis for a generation,” said Mr Patterson.

“A real terms pay cut will not cut it.

“We need to see serious shifts from Arriva or bus drivers will have no choice but to strike.

“We approached these negotiations in good faith.

“Trifling offers from Arriva simply aren’t good enough.”

A spokesman for Arriva commented on the latest breakdown in talks, saying: “Despite further negotiations today and having done all we can to make another improved offer, the Unions have once again chosen to walk away, causing further misery for our passengers.

“At this point, we are left questioning why they refuse to give their members the opportunity to vote on our offers, which would make our drivers the highest paid in the region.

We would like to apologise to our passengers for the ongoing disruption that this dispute is causing to their everyday lives.

“On our side, we are acting in good faith and doing all we can to find a resolution.

“We urge Unite and GMB to do the same, reconsider their position, call an end to inappropriate strike action and give their members the opportunity to ballot on our latest offers.”

The bus strike began on Wednesday, July 20 with no obvious end point yet in sight.