Bus services in Doncaster will be disrupted over the coming weeks, as over 230 drivers have overwhelmingly voted to take industrial action over pay.

Doncaster drivers at First South Yorkshire, part of First Group, have rejected an offer from their employer as this does not give them pay parity with those doing the same job at First in Sheffield, just over 20 miles away.

Strikes will take place on 28 and 30 March and 7, 22 and 24 April. Some of these dates coincide with the Easter break as well as events at Doncaster Racecourse including the opener of the British flat racing season the William Hill Lincoln Handicap on 28 March.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "First can well afford to pay its drivers in Doncaster the same as those in Sheffield, but is instead choosing to put profits over people by pursuing an unfair two-tier system for its workers.

"Unite members in Doncaster deserve to be paid more fairly and they have our full backing during this dispute."

First Group is a highly profitable company, seeing revenues rise 30 per cent to £833.6m for the half year ending September 2025.

The Unite members involved in the dispute work at the Doncaster Bus Depot in Leger Way, operating several routes in and out of the city centre. As First is one of the main bus companies in Doncaster, any strike action will be very disruptive.

Unite regional officer Christian Ratcliffe said: "There is still a chance that First Bus can avoid this action, but it relies on management making the right decision and offering to pay Doncaster the drivers the same as those in Sheffield.

"Unite members in Doncaster must not be financially penalised for working a few miles down the road. This unfair situation can't continue and Unite is demanding First Bus treats its hardworking drivers fairly.”

ENDS

 For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org