By Neal Keeling

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Bus users could face further travel disruption as more workers are poised to strike over an “insulting” pay offer. Around 200 Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) workers are being balloted for industrial action over pay and could join 2,000 bus workers in the city on strike. As reported in the Manchester Evening News, strikes affecting two thirds of bus services in Greater Manchester are set to begin on Friday. It is the first such action to hit the Bee Network since buses were brought under public control by Andy Burnham . Now workers, who undertake a variety of roles including ticketing, passenger assistance and information services for the bus and tram network, have rejected a 3.2 per cent pay offer. Their union says the offer is a real terms pay cut as the current rate of RPI inflation stands at 4.8 per cent. Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “This insulting offer is a pay cut dressed up as a rise. TfGM needs to come back with a deal that reflects the increasing cost of living. These workers will receive Unite’s full backing in their fight for fair pay and conditions.” Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here The dispute is also over issues around stand by, call out and four day working week policies. The ballot closes on October 1. Members of the Unison union are also involved in the dispute. Unite regional officer, Howard Percival, said: “Unite rejects any claims that TfGM cannot improve on the offer because it is tied to a blanket deal also offered to transport network staff in the West Midlands and West Yorkshire. “TfGM is free to make an independent offer and that needs to happen. Any disruption caused to passengers will be entirely the fault of TfGM for failing to do so.” The threat comes as 2,000 staff at three Bee Network bus operators – First, Metroline Manchester, and Stagecoach, announced they would walk out from Friday September 19 to Monday September 22 . Union chiefs say the strikes will cause “serious disruption to bus services”. The strikes will clash with a number of major events next weekend. Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on September 20. Peter Kay performs at the AO Arena and Tom Grennan at Co-op Live on September 19. Some school services will not run and some late night services on Thursday September 18 and early morning ones on Tuesday September 23. At Stagecoach, about 1,000 drivers based at the Oldham , Stockport , and Middleton depots have rejected a 3.5 per cent pay offer. Another 1,000 at Metroline Manchester, based in Sharston, Ashton , and Wythenshawe depots, have turned down the same offer. Meanwhile 110 members at First Bus Rochdale rejected this year’s six per cent pay offer. Unite says the offers are “unsatisfactory” after “years of low pay” and the “ongoing cost of living crisis”. The operators have said they are “disappointed” with the union’s decision to take strike action and remain “open to discussions”. Passengers with 7-day, 28-day, term-time or annual bus passes, as well as those with concessionary passes – including Our Pass – will be able to use their tickets and passes on all Metrolink trams on strike days. TfGm Chief Network Officer, Danny Vaughan, said: “Bus operators across the country are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff. We are encouraging operators and their unions to continue talks, reach agreement and avoid disruption for passengers.”