PRIVATEER bus operator First Bus has been accused of undermining a two-month strike by workers fighting for the Real Living Wage – while declaring that it supports their claim for one.

First South Yorkshire employs contractor Bidvest Noonan to clean and refuel buses at its Olive Grove depot in Sheffield in South Yorkshire.

Unite says the Bidvest workers are paid the minimum wage of £11.44 an hour and are on strike for the Real Living Wage of £13.85 an hour.

Bidvest refuses to pay the Real Living Wage until the workers’ contracts expire in November 2026.

Unite said First Bus staff were being used to carry out strikers’ work such as moving buses in the depot.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “The hypocrisy of First West Yorkshire towards these workers is astounding.

“First claims it is ‘actively encouraging’ Bidvest Noonan to implement the real living wage sooner.

“But the truth is, the company is doing everything it can to break the strike.

“This dispute will continue to escalate with Unite’s full support until these workers are taken off the minimum wage and put on the real living wage.”

Zoe Hands, managing director for First Bus Manchester, Midlands and South Yorkshire said:  "We understand cleaning staff in South Yorkshire are taking strike action against their employer Bidvest Noonan.”
 
“There are plans in place to mitigate any impact to buses running during strike days so customers should feel assured their bus will arrive as normal.”
 
"First Bus is a real Living Wage employer, paying all direct employees (with the exception of apprentices) at least £12 per hour. Through the accreditation, all third-party workers should receive this rate too at their next contractual renewal.
 
“The Bidvest Noonan colleagues here are set to receive this rate by November 2026 at the point of contract renewal with First Bus South Yorkshire. Until that time, it is for Bidvest Noonan and Unite to resolve their pay dispute but we encourage both parties to find a constructive way forward soon.”