HUNDREDS of Merseyside bus drivers are to stage a series of strikes in a dispute over pay.

Unite said almost 500 of its members working for Stagecoach in Liverpool will walk out from July 5-8 and 12-15, with the threat of a continuous strike if the row is not resolved.

The action could potentially hit services used by St Helens passengers, particularly between the town and the city.

The workers are angry over the huge disparity between their pay and that of Arriva Liverpool drivers.

Arriva drivers are paid £1.40 more an hour, equating to around £3,000 a year, for performing the same role.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For too long, Stagecoach has got away with paying its Liverpool drivers on the cheap.

“This shows a total lack of respect and appreciation for its workers, without whom there would be no bus service, and for the communities on Merseyside who rely on their buses.

“Unite’s Liverpool Stagecoach members have their union’s total backing in striking for a fair pay rise.”

Unite regional officer Brian Troake added: “Our members have been forced into strike action by Stagecoach’s continued attempts to keep them on unfair rates of pay. Stagecoach owes the traveling public an abject apology for the disruption it will cause.

“Further industrial action could be avoided, but that requires Stagecoach to return to the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept.”

Matt Davies, managing director of Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire said: “We offer a competitive pay and benefits package.

"Claims that our drivers are on £1.40-an-hour less than Arriva doesn’t tell the full story, as it compares our pay rate before the 6.4% rise we have offered with Arriva after their pay rise. In addition, we pay our Gillmoss drivers additional time each day, worth 26p-an-hour on the headline rate.

“We also offer better matching of staff pension contributions, and enhanced maternity & paternity pay, so comparing the headline pay rate tells only half the story.

“I am sorry for the disruption that this strike will cause our customers and we are committed to finding a sustainable solution to this dispute.”