PROFITEERING bus operator Stagecoach was accused today of drafting in managers from across Britain to drive scab buses in Merseyside during a strike by almost 500 workers over pay.

The workers, who are members of the Unite union, said Merseyside Police had helped scab managers drive through picket lines at the company’s Gilmoss depot, but the buses then ran mostly empty around the city .

Stagecoach staff say they are paid £1.40 and hour less than their counterparts at rival operator Arriva — a disparity of £3,000 a year.

They walked out for 48 hours today and will strike again from July 5 to 8 and 12 to 15, with Unite saying that they will strike indefinitely if necessary.

One union source said that the attempt by Stagecoach to run an alternative service using scab managers was “disappointing,” but that it had backfired “as the good people of Liverpool were holding what looks to be an unofficial boycott and the buses are generally running empty, meaning Stagecoach is hardly making any revenue.”

The source reported that the scab managers “are being put up in hotels, with all food and drink provided by Stagecoach, which is money that Stagecoach could have spent on resolving the dispute, but instead it has chosen to take on their workers.”

Unite said in a statement: “The striking workers would like to pass on their wholehearted thanks to the travelling public for their support.

“Spirits are running really high on the picket line and members are more determined than ever to achieve the pay rise they deserve.”

Stagecoach was invited to comment.

Merseyside Police Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said officers were “monitoring the location” around the bus depot “to minimise disruption to road users.”