First Manchester bus drivers report suffering abuse on the job while "low pay" forces many to skip meals and even rely on food banks amid ongoing strikes in Oldham.

A survey completed by almost 200 of the 360 First Manchester bus drivers on strike, including those on the picket line at Oldham Mumps, sheds light on some of the reasons why staff have felt compelled to take industrial action.

The shocking results reveal many work long hours, during which they struggle to gain access to a toilet and endure abuse and even assault on shift, while some skip meals or turn to food banks to survive.

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The UK's leading union, Unite the Union, claims the results show why so many drivers are demanding better pay of £16 per hour.

More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of the 184 drivers surveyed said they have been verbally abused in the last two years with 16 per cent being physically assaulted as well.

Nearly a quarter said they never have adequate access to a toilet while 22 per cent said they do "some of the time" and 52 per cent said "occasionally".

When it came to making ends meet, the survey also revealed 61 per cent said they have had to cut back on essentials in the last year, such as food and heating, while 20 per cent have missed mortgage or rent payments and 15 per cent have skipped meals.

A further four per cent said they have used food banks.

Working hours also appear to be an issue with around a third (31 per cent) working between 40 and 50 hours per week, while 14 per cent work more than 50 hours.

The stats come as bus drivers told The Oldham Times they are struggling to stay afloat amid the cost-of-living crisis and have to take on overtime to pay the bills.

The survey further shows how working such long hours has impacted the drivers, with 30 per cent citing issues with their physical health and mental health.

More than a third (36 per cent) said it also impacts their relationships and family life.

During work, 81 per cent report feeling very tired with 74 per cent having made errors while driving as a result.

A fifth of drivers claim they have had to stop driving because of excessive tiredness.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Our members work hard for First and take pride driving the vast amount of the travelling public to their destinations.

"But as this survey shows, with abuse all too common, it is not a job for the faint-hearted and they should be paid properly.

"First made operating profits of nearly £227 million in 2022, it can afford to put forward the pay deal its drivers are asking for and quite rightly deserve.”

First Group's 2022 annual report shows that operating profits increased by more than £6m to £226.8m.

First Manchester also pays drivers a pound an hour less than the region's other bus operators.

In negotiations, the company claims it has offered drivers a 15.2 per cent rise, however, drivers dispute the offering as a real pay rise since the deal would be split into three.

Referring to it as "tiered" and "complex", drivers told The Oldham Times that the offer would not be backdated and instead are fighting for a full pay deal from April.

Drivers have been taking strike action since the beginning of July and said they won't be backing down.

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden added: “Our members do a tough job for First and deserve a fair pay rise.

"The company is responsible for the disruption being caused to passengers because it is refusing to put forward a reasonable offer despite its massive profits.

"First needs to come back to the negotiating table with a deal our members will accept.”

In response to the survey, Rob Hughes, operations director of First Manchester, said: “The health and wellbeing of all colleagues at the Oldham depot is essential to our business and we have a comprehensive range of help and advice services available, including mental health support which can be accessed at any time.

“Breaks from driving are governed by agreements with Unite and statutory employment regulations.

"Our team also regularly checks with drivers when they arrive for work and during the day."

Mr Hughes also said drivers do have access to toilet facilities at all bus stations and are allowed to take relief breaks when required, "even returning to depot if time permits".

He added: “We are part of a larger publicly-listed group, but our business has its own and separate financial accountability and all decisions are made to maintain prudent management of costs.

“It is clear that the generous 15.2 per cent pay offer available will immediately address the hourly pay difference cited by Unite with further increases making our Oldham drivers some of the best-paid in the region.”

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