The Department of Infrastructure is disappointed that its proposals to resolve the issue regarding bus drivers’ holiday entitlement have been rejected.

The Department is seeking to make adjustments to its current arrangements to better manage the allocation of staff holidays during the busy TT period. The Department’s proposals are entirely within both its existing working agreement with staff and the Island’s employment law.

Attempts to find a way forward have not been successful and Unite the Union has today, Friday 25 August, informed the Department of the intention for its members who are employed as bus drivers to work to rule from Monday 28 August to Friday 1 September.

The Department is working to ensure that its bus services operate as normal during next week’s industrial action, although some disruption is possible.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: ‘The fact that the TT is gaining popularity and attracting more visitors each year is good news for the Isle of Man and its economy. In order to meet the demand for public transport services, the Department has put forward a proposal to limit the number of bus drivers who can take annual leave during the festival. This happens in other areas of the public service and allows for better management of staff and funding by reducing the amount of cover that needs to be drafted in.’

He added: ‘It is disappointing that our proposals have been rejected and that the work to rule has been deliberately targeted to hit the Festival of Motorcycling when the Island is busy with visitors and trying to show its qualities as a leading tourist destination. The Department is putting in place arrangements to maintain bus services next week and to minimise any potential inconvenience to the public.’