Edinburgh bus driver strike to go ahead on Friday

Lothian Buses
Image caption If the deal is not accepted it will trigger an indefinite strike on 2 August

A bus strike in Edinburgh will go ahead on Friday after drivers voted to reject a last-minute deal in a long-running dispute.

Lothian Buses say buses may not run or will operate on a significantly-reduced basis.

The strike has been planned to coincide with the first day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Unite union had recommended that its 1,700 members accept a new deal following talks.

The proposal included a 2.7% pay rise and new measures to address concerns over bullying.

'Customers our priority'

Lothian Buses tweeted: "We are disappointed to inform you that union members have voted for continuous strike action from 2nd August, despite a second deal being agreed with Unite for a significant package including an increase in pay and other benefits.

"This means buses may not run or operate on a significantly-reduced basis.

"Our customers remain our absolute priority and we are doing everything we can to achieve a resolution.

"We will minimise disruption where possible."

Unite has blamed the dispute on "poor workplace relations and a hostile culture".

In June, staff voted for strike action. More than 63% of union members took part in the ballot, with about 91.3% backing a walkout.

Talks at the arbitration service Acas then resulted in a deal which was rejected by the workforce, which includes 1,700 drivers.

The revised offer followed further discussions which took place last week.