BOSSES of bus company First Manchester, which has been hit by a series of strikes, stress they "remain committed" to a negotiated settlement.

Their pledge comes in the wake of the latest action by the company's 1,750 drivers which halted services in Bury and elsewhere in Greater Manchester yesterday (Mon Aug 21) and last Friday.

The dispute involving the drivers, members of the Transport and General Workers' Union, is over pay and hours.

First Manchester say its commitment to a negotiated settlement is unchanged despite its claim that the T & G refused to accept its offer of binding arbitration. The company stress this action has fuelled its claims that the union seems to be "intent on protracting the dispute, rather than solving it".

Operations director Russell Gard said: "We are extremely disappointed that we are not able to provide the services our passengers need.

"First Manchester has worked extremely hard to resolve the dispute but we have failed because of the union's changing stance on a number of issues."

He added: "The union rejected a variable pay offer and so we proposed an across-the-board pay rise. This was then rejected.

"We have offered faster progression to the highest rates of pay and this has been rejected.

"We have given a commitment that all drivers will be on more than £7 an hour within five years, but this has been rejected."

Mr Gard continued: "We have emphasised to the union's negotiator that we are willing to talk at any time, but they have opted for industrial action.

"Our offer of arbitration remains and we hope for our passengers' sakes that the union will take a more positive approach."

Further stoppages are planned for September and October unless the dispute is resolved.