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The chief executive of the Department of Community Culture and Leisure says the announcement of next week's bus drivers' strike is a surprise.
Negotiations were improving between the department and Unite representatives, according to Nick Black.
The next round of industrial action will commence on Wednesday, March 6, between 7:30am and 9:30am, and 3pm and 5pm.
Mr Black says outside influences in the UK don't seem to fully understand the Island's situation:
Procedures at Noble's Hospital cancelled due to 'significant pressures'
Manx Care experiencing 'very high demand'
Medical Society calls for 'statutory elected body' as chief exec exits Manx Care
IOMMS says it's 'essential that the momentum for fundamental reform is maintained'
Cope out: How did we get here?
Manx Care's five-year history broken down
Teresa Cope: Reaction as Manx Care CEO steps down
What comes next for the Island's healthcare provider?