BUS workers at First South West in Somerset and Cornwall will be balloted for strike action over a "penny-pinching" pay offer, RMT announced today.

The union reports that the company has proposed a pay increase of only 58p per hour, with no improvements to working conditions.

The firm is part of FirstGroup, whose bus division made £96 million in profit for 2024/25, up by £12.4m on the previous year.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Bus workers at First South West are being left behind while other operators across the region pay more.

“It is disgraceful that our members are expected to do the same job for less money, and their patience has run out.

“First South West can easily afford to pay a decent wage, but their refusal so far could lead to strike action if progress is not made.”

A First Bus spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed that the RMT has chosen to ballot some employees for industrial action while we continue to engage in pay negotiations.

“Our 4.2 per cent pay increase reflects the value we put on colleagues and demonstrates our commitment to protecting staff from the rising cost of living – even in the challenging financial environment we operate in.

“We remain open to having constructive discussions at any time and urge the RMT to continue these talks so we can reach a fair resolution for our colleagues and the customers across the area we serve.”