Bus drivers were threatened with job losses and pension cuts if they went on strike in a dispute over pay.

They were told in a letter from Roger French, the managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, that if they did not accept the latest pay offer it could lead to cutbacks in bus services.

The letter, dated June 10, was leaked to us by a disgruntled employee to show what pressure staff had been placed under.

The GMB and T&G trade unions have recommended drivers accept the latest pay offer ahead of a ballot on Wednesday and Thursday.

Drivers had earlier been due to vote on holding four days of industrial action at the end of the month.

Paul Bowch, T&G representative for Sussex, said: "The letter had no bearing on our decision. But it is not helpful for anyone, unions or management, to be throwing around threats. We were trying to conduct talks in a professional way."

Bus bosses are offering a ten per cent increase from £7.28 an hour to £8 from July 27.

Under the original offer, the firm had only been prepared to phase in the rise by next spring but pressure from the unions forced them to offer it immediately.

The letter stated: "In the event of strike action, the offer will be withdrawn.

"It will also put in jeopardy our marginal operations, including lesser-used bus routes, with a consequential cut-back in drivers' jobs.

"In the event of action, we will also be writing to trade union representatives giving notice to review the continuation of the current pensions arrangements for drivers since these are proving to be too costly to continue in the current climate.

"Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether to take strike action or not but I would urge you to give very careful thought to the consequences of such action."

Mr French said the letter had been superseded since the unions had recommended the new pay deal.

Monday June 16, 2003