LOCAL politicians have slammed Arriva over "unethical behaviour" which has led to five days of bus driver strike action.

Carolyn Thomas, Member of the Senedd (MS) for North Wales, and Jack Sargeant, Alyn & Deeside Senedd Member, have condemned Arriva as North Wales bus drivers continue strike action

The politicians have hit out at the company and signalled their support for bus drivers as they continue their strike across the region in a battle for improved pay.

The industrial action was called by Unite the Union after Arriva failed to offer drivers in Wales the same pay and conditions as those across the border in England.

Carolyn Thomas MS visited the picket line at the Arriva depot in Hawarden to show her support for the drivers in their dispute. She decribed Arriva's behaviour as "unethical".

"These drivers deserve to be paid a decent wage," she said.

"They need to be paid the same amount as those over the border. They are driving passed people driving the same busses who are being paid much more than they are.”

The Leader: Carolyn Thomas MS visited the picket line at the Arriva depot in Hawarden. Carolyn Thomas MS visited the picket line at the Arriva depot in Hawarden.

Talks between Arriva and Unite resumed on Tuesday in a new attempt to reach a deal, though no agreement has been reached yet.

Further talks are taking place today (Thursday November 18).

Speaking in the Senedd chamber on Monday, Jack Sargeant MS described the actions of Arriva as “ridiculous”.

He said: "These drivers live in the communities they serve, and the last thing they want to do is be on strike, but they are in this position because Arriva pay different rates for the same job, exactly the same job, just across the border.

“Frankly, I think that is ridiculous. These drivers drive past each other on the same roads. The disparity with the north west has now increased from £1.81 to £2.20. I am clear that these drivers are right, and I support them in their calls for parity and fairness."