Jersey bus drivers 'could strike again'

Bus workers in Jersey have threatened further strike action over changes to terms and conditions.

The Unite union announced it wanted talks with new bus operator CT Plus regarding working hours and rights.

The union said it was seeking financial compensation and an apology from Deputy Lewis, the Transport Minister, who they said failed to honour an agreement.

A CT Plus statement said: "LibertyBus adheres to Jersey's requirements in relation to weekly driver hours."

It went on to say: The company has rigorous health and safety standards and any suggestion to the contrary is completely without foundation."

The statement added: "LibertyBus has a policy of conducting discussions with its employees directly rather than through the media."

"The company has therefore no comment to make."

The Unite union, which represents bus workers in Jersey, made an official complaint about the way staff were transferred to the new bus operator.

Nick Corbel, from Unite, said it broke an agreement the States made with the union more than a decade ago that staff would only be transferred between bus firms if it was on the same terms.

Deputy Lewis, told the States assembly he was aware of the complaint and was looking into it.

Workers said unless contractual rights established under previous operator Connex were reinstated, further industrial action would be taken.

A 24-hour strike was held on 30 December by bus workers in Jersey over the same issue.

CT Plus took over the island's service on 2 January.