STRIKING bus workers in Manchester are voting on a further 12 weeks of strike action in their battle to protect their wages and working hours.

The strike by 400 Unite members employed by Go North West, part of the Go Ahead public transport conglomerate, has won support in the north-west and the nation as a whole.

Trade unionists will stage a solidarity rally outside the strikers’ bus depot on Wednesday after the new ballot results are released.

The strike started on February 28 after an overwhelming vote in favour by the bus workers.

Workers are resisting employers’ use of disgraced fire-and-rehire tactics to sack staff and re-employ them on lower wages, longer hours and worsened working conditions.

The strikers’ mandate for 12 weeks of legally protected strike action ends on May 23.

Two weeks ago, parent company Go Ahead put proposals to the strikers, including the dropping of fire and rehire, but the proposals are still being considered by the strike committee.

Manchester TUC’s Ian Allison said: “The Go North West strike is now the longest bus strike in British history.

“Despite tantalising progress which included forcing the withdrawal of fire and rehire, the Unite reps are still negotiating with local management to get a written offer which can be put to members.

“The strike continues to keep up the pressure for a deal.”

He urged supporters to attend the rally, organised by Manchester Trades Union Council, which will take place tonight at 5pm next to Queen’s Road bus depot, Manchester M8 8UT.