BUS company National Express was accused today of using “bullying” and “harassment” tactics to break an indefinite strike over pay by thousands of drivers.

Unite said that the company had called police to picket lines needlessly and threatened the 3,100 strikers in Birmingham with job losses and route closures.

The union has launched a free phone hotline for workers, who entered their third day of strike action today, to report instances of bullying and intimidation as anger against the tactics grew.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are rock solid in their determination to win a pay rise that reflects the difficulty of their roles and soaring living costs. 

“They know that National Express can absolutely afford to pay it. 

“The company’s bully-boy tactics to break the strike will only result in worsening the dispute and Unite will make sure National Express is held fully accountable for any intimidation of our members.

“There is only one way to end this: National Express must put forward an offer that is acceptable to our members.”

Unite said earlier that workers were told they would be barred from overtime in the future because they went on strike.

And workers who are not involved in the strike were told they would face disciplinary action if they refuse to cross a picket line, the union said.

Earlier accusations included “dragging individuals into one-to-one meetings to browbeat them into not taking strike action” and sending text messages demanding to know if workers were going to strike.

Between 2018 and 2021, average pay at National Express for West Midlands bus workers fell by 6 per cent in real terms with the gap increasing even further last year due to rocketing prices, Unite said.

A National Express West Midlands spokesperson called Unite’s claims “ridiculous” and the “usual nonsense.”

“We warmly welcome any driver back from strike, with open arms, no questions asked,” they said.

“That’s why we’re offering them a 14.3 per cent pay increase, at £16.46 an hour for the vast majority of drivers, which works out at £33,000 a year.”