Driver recruitment to thwart bus strike

Bus Vannin chiefs have made their first move to replace drivers due to strike during TT fortnight.

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has launched a recruitment drive with an appeal to all drivers with a Public Passenger Vehicles - PPV - licence who are willing to work.

The department says it wants to recruit as many casual bus drivers as possible as officers work on a contingency bus timetable to operate during one of the busiest periods of the year on the roads.

Unite union members are due to walk out next Saturday (25 May) for 12 days if the dispute over changes to their contracts isn't resolved.

The DCCL's organised a drop-in registration event for stand-in drivers at the Villa Marina, Douglas next Tuesday (21 May) between 2 and 8pm.

Anyone interested must bring their valid PPV licence to the registration process, confirming they are available to work during the period from Saturday 25 May until Wednesday 5 June.