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A Bee Network chief says that travel group is "doing all we can" after as Greater Manchester braces for another round of bus strikes in the region. The statement from the chief network officer comes after six more days of Bee Network strikes were announced today (September 26). Unite the Union members employed by Stagecoach, Metroline and First Bus Rochdale are due to take further industrial action in October. The three companies make up part of the Bee Network, under the franchising scheme introduced to Greater Manchester two years ago. According to Unite, more than 2,000 workers will be taking part in the strike, affecting passengers across much of the region. Last week, the union held a four-day strike from last Friday (September 19) until Monday (September 22). Three more days of strike action will also go ahead next Tuesday (September 30) to Thursday (October 2). Now, Unite has announced another six days of industrial action to take place on October 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24. The union previously said next week's strike dates were announced because the three companies involved 'failed to come back to negotiations with an improved pay offer deemed acceptable to Unite members'. Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s chief network officer, said: “We understand that the three Bee Network operators involved have been notified of further strike dates in October. “We’re continuing to do all we can to keep Greater Manchester moving on industrial action days, and next week people can once again use their bus tickets and passes to travel on trams and trains. "I urge everyone to plan their journey in advance, allow extra time and expect other services to be busier than normal, particularly during the morning and afternoon ‘rush hours’. “The bus operators involved – Stagecoach, Metroline and First - are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff. We’re doing all that we can to get them to an agreement, with the aim of averting further strikes that cause disruption for passengers.”
