FIRST Bus workers, represented by Unite the Union, have rejected an “insulting” pay offer and as a result will go on strike in May.

The dispute comes after claims the offered pay increase would not reflect an increase in living costs, which stand at a 30-year high.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “That First Bus had the cheek to ‘offer’ two pence less than the current adult minimum wage is beyond insulting.

"This is a business with millions in the bank and comes at a time of rapidly rising living costs. I am proud that Unite members have rejected the proposal overwhelmingly.

"First Glasgow would be wise to heed this overwhelming mandate for strike action and get round the table with a serious offer.

“Our members have the full support of Unite in their fight for better pay.”

Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer, added: “Unite’s members at First Glasgow are determined to take a stand against poverty wages. The cleaners and shunters have been forgotten by their employer but they will not tolerate being treated as second class workers any longer.

"It’s ridiculous that an employer makes a pay offer, even one that’s backdated, which doesn’t even meet the current national minimum wage.”

The vote took place today where 96 per cent of the 60 First Bus workers in attendance, including cleaners and drivers, voted to support the action.

The 48-hour strike will take place across two dates, May 4/5, and May 18/19.

The Union argued that reports showed that First Bus returned a combined profit totalling £12.6 million.