The decision to take West Midlands bus services under public control has been welcomed by Unite, the UK’s bus drivers’ union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite welcomes the decision today by the government and the West Midlands Combined Authority to safeguard jobs and services.

“The fact that a single operator could put nearly the entire West Midlands’ bus network at risk is lunacy.

“It is yet another example of how bus companies across the country are failing bus workers, passengers and communities in their drive to extract profits at the expense of jobs and services.

“This is why Unite will keep campaigning for bus services everywhere in the UK to be brought back under public ownership.”

Unite represents thousands of National Express workers in the West Midlands.

Unite regional officer Stu Davis said: “The uncertainty at National Express has obviously caused concerns for workers, however, Unite will be ensuring their hard-fought terms, conditions and agreements are carried across to the new employer.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.