Bus drivers are striking for fair pay, causing major disruptions to network routes across Doncaster and the surrounding areas.

The strikes this week are the result of coordinated industrial action by more than 230 drivers employed by First Bus.

First Bus Doncaster drivers are currently being paid £14.15 per hour, however 20 miles down the road in Sheffield employees are paid £15.60 for the same job.

This action follows four previous strike days in March and early April as they continue to demand the same pay as their neighbouring drivers.

The drivers are based at the Leger Way depot, which plays a central role in operating a wide network of routes across Doncaster and surrounding areas.

In a press statement, Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire, said: “We are doing all we can with the resources we have to put buses on the road where possible and keep customers moving during industrial action, and importantly those who rely on us to make essential trips.

“Our latest pay offer includes an immediate seven per cent  pay increase, more than double the current inflation rate, backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027.”

She explained that the Sheffield and Doncaster drivers have different pay anniversary dates, so pay negotiations occur at separate times and rates do not always align.

She said: ““First Bus has been flexible to union demands and made multiple offers, such that the pay deal now on the table is beyond what many workers are likely to see this year, yet Unite representatives have shown no willingness to move their position. 

“Our door remains open for discussions to find an agreement and avoid any further unnecessary industrial action.”

First Group is a highly profitable company, seeing revenues rise 30% to £833.6m for the half year ending September 2025.

The strikers are part of Unite, the UK’s largest union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “First Bus can fully afford to give these drivers, who do the same job as their counterparts down the road, the same wages but is choosing to prioritise greed. Our members at First South Yorkshire continue to have Unite’s full support.” 

Bindi Eyre, a resident from Sheffield, commented on Facebook: “All bus drivers across South Yorkshire should be paid the same amount because they do the same job.”

Further strikes will happen on the 22, 24, 27, and 29 April, or until drivers believe fair pay is given.