Arriva buses will not be operating in Merseyside for the foreseeable future.
As a result, all services run by Arriva in the region are set to be out of operation from 2am on Wednesday as part of continuous industrial action.
Merseyside is one of several areas in the North West to be affected by the walkouts with Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire also impacted.
Staff at Stagecoach Merseyside had intended to join in the strike action before it was averted by a new pay offer agreed with its union representatives Unite.
But talks between Arriva bosses and both Unite and GMB to prevent workers embarking on a their own planned walkout failed to deliver a breakthrough.
Howard Farrall, Arriva UK Bus’s North West & Wales area operating director, said: “We are very disappointed that we were unable to reach an agreement with Unite and GMB, who have confirmed they plan to hold a strike for an indefinite period across services in the North West from 2am Wednesday July 20.
“Our people play a hugely important role keeping Merseyside moving and they fully deserve a fair pay rise – especially with the cost-of-living increasing so much.
“It’s why despite the significant pressures on the bus sector with increasing costs and passenger numbers still at below pre-pandemic levels, we have offered our people a generous pay rise of 8.5% – an increase far higher than most workers are receiving from their employers at a time of considerable economic pressure.”
He added: “Strike action is counter-productive, harms the communities and customers we serve, and damages bus travel at a time when we should all be focused on building recovery from the pandemic.
“We’re calling on Unite and GMB to abandon their plans for this damaging strike and to ballot their members on the new offer.”
However Unite pointed out that Stagecoach’s deferred strike was only agreed upon once their appeal for an 11% pay deal was accepted by transport chiefs.
“Arriva bus workers play a crucial role in keeping the North West moving,” said Unite regional officer Dave Roberts.
“This dispute has been fermenting for years as bus drivers have seen their hard work taken for granted and rates of pay steadily eroded.
“Unite remains committed to resolving the dispute at the earliest possible opportunity and it will embark on fresh negotiations any time, any place and anywhere, provided Arriva is prepared to make an improved offer.”
Arriva have urged all customers to check their Twitter and Facebook feeds before travelling. Customers can also call 0344 800 44 11 for updates.