Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:04 pm on 17 November 2021.
I appreciate that answer, Minister. Llywydd, I will start by saying that, like these drivers, I'm a proud member of Unite the Union. These drivers live in the communities they serve, and the last thing they want to do is to be on strike, but they are in this position because Arriva pay different rates for the same job, exactly the same job, just across the border. Frankly, I think that is ridiculous. These drivers drive past each other on the same roads.
The disparity with the north-west has now increased from £1.81 to £2.20. I am clear that these drivers are right, and I support them in their calls for parity and fairness. So, with that in mind, Minister, what can the Welsh Government do to support these drivers? And if I may, and finally, Minister, I must comment and say that it is Tory deregulation, under a Thatcher-led Government, that failed the industry and it's failed our communities, and our colleague Ken Skates was brave enough to say that during his time in the Welsh Government. So, how do we ensure, in the future, that we do have bus operators that serve our communities and the travelling public across Wales?