Stagecoach has notified HI HUB that this week’s planned industrial action in Cambridge has now been suspended. Bus drivers were due to walkout today, Wednesday (28 January) and Friday (30 January) but services will now operate to their full timetable. Unite the union has been approached for comment. 26/1/2026
Disruptions to village bus services will continue as six further strike dates have now been confirmed.
Two hundred Stagecoach bus drivers and engineers based at the Cambridge depot have been taking part in the strike action. Their union, Unite, says the workers “are demanding a pay increase that reflects the difficulties and stresses of the job” as well as “the high cost of living in Cambridge”.
Saturday (24 January) is when the next walkout is planned. Meanwhile, fresh dates have now been added for 26, 28 and 30 January as well as 9, 11 and 13 February. Guided Busway and Park and Ride services should not be affected.
The union argues the city is one of the most expensive in the UK but bus drivers are paid £1.78 an hour less than their Manchester colleagues. Unite also states Stagecoach made operating profits of £97.3 million in the year to April 2024 on sales of £1.6 billion.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “Cambridge has crippling living costs for workers, but Stagecoach thinks it can get away with paying the city’s drivers subpar wages. Our members will not be treated as second class employees: Stagecoach can afford to give them a fair slice of the pie.”
‘Disruption hurts’
In an open letter to Cambridge customers this week, Darren Roe, the Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said he “continues to regret that industrial action is being taken”.
He said: “I know that the impact and disruption really hurts you, our loyal customers and the communities who rely on our bus services every day.
“Many of you, in Cambridge, depend on our buses to get to work, school and college, attend medical appointments, and stay connected with family and friends. Any disruption to these essential journeys is something I take very seriously and have worked hard to avoid.”
Mr Roe said Stagecoach’s pay talks with the union began in September, and successful pay agreements were reached with the Fenstanton and Peterborough depots.
He claims Cambridge employees have received pay increases totalling more than 20% over the past three years and is “significantly above inflation”. Yet, he says “despite a number of meetings”, Stagecoach “cannot afford to meet” the union’s pay demand of a 9% increase for these workers.
Earlier this month, Mr Roe explained a 4% pay rise had still been implemented for the Cambridge workers on 28 December in line with other depots.
‘Acceptable offer needed’
Unite says Cambridge drivers are paid £16.22 an hour, compared to drivers in Manchester who receive £18 an hour.
Mark Plumb, the union’s regional officer, said: “The disruption caused to passengers is entirely the fault of Stagecoach, which is refusing to do this out of corporate greed. Strikes will not end until an acceptable offer is put forward.”
On strike days, Stagecoach says it will be running 90% of its fleet, with a full Park and Ride Service. It will be operated by over 70% of drivers who have agreed to return to work and others brought in from across the country.
Customers are advised to check the Stagecoach website for updates throughout the industrial action.
READ MORE: Bus driver strikes continue to disrupt village services
