MANAGEMENT at Stagecoach Ribble have called on the union to call off their strike as another day of dispute looms on the horizon.

Commuters across Preston face yet another day of disruption as drivers plan yet another strike day next Wednesday.

And as the tenth day of industrial action approaches, union officials have stressed that they are prepared to settle the dispute by negotiation -- but the bus company is refusing to talk.

Bob Morton, regional industrial organiser for the Transport and General Workers Union, said he was ready at any time to discuss the issues of long hours, low pay and improving conditions for bus drivers.

He said: "All of us want to see improved bus services.

"We at the T&G believe there are serious issues to address in terms of pay and terms and conditions of work which are important.

"Decent pay levels for fair hours at work are important in terms of public safety as well as fairness for our members." Mr Morton added that, throughout the dispute with Stagecoach, the union wanted to resolve the differences by negotiation.

"There are important issues here, such as how we can restore the social value and respect for people working in the bus industry.

"We don't like to inconvenience the public and only take strike action as a last resort."

The T&G offered to hold talks with management via ACAS (Arbitration, Conciliation and Advisory Service) to settle the dispute, but the company turned the offer down.

Chris Bowles, operations director for Stagecoach Ribble based in Preston, said that most services will be affected next Wednesday (July 19), but a number of skeletal services which ran the last few days of action will be available to commuters.

Commenting on the dispute Mr Bowles added: "We are looking to the unions to call off this action because we cannot pay our drivers any more. It's as simple as that."

Commuters throughout Preston can call (01772) 886633 for more information on skeleton services.