FAMILIES face summer holiday disruption after bus drivers voted to strike.

The Unite union has called its drivers at Chelmsford, Colchester, Clacton, Harwich and Braintree to strike next Monday.

Last Monday’s ballot was called to support a dispute over terms and conditions of an agreement reached following a series of strikes last year.

A threatened week-long strike in the run-up to Christmas last year was averted after First offered drivers a 2.8 per cent pay rise this year with a further 2.5 to 3.5 per cent in 2011.

However, since the agreement was reached, with the help of mediators the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), a new bone of contention has arisen.

Alan Pilbeam, managing director of First East England, claimed Unite was not acting in the spirit of the mediation.

He said the area of dispute – over terms and conditions for current and future staff – did not form part of the recommendations made by ACAS.

He added: “I am extremely disappointed that our passengers face inconvenience and disruption.

“Despite our best efforts to resolve the situation, Unite has decided on a course of action that will have a significant negative impact on the people and businesses of Essex.

“In summary, the company has met the aspirations and provided a solution to the dispute and also offered to go to ACAS.

“Given this, it makes no real sense as to why the industrial action is still going ahead.

“I would like to apologise to our passengers and assure them of our commitment to bring this dispute to an end.”

Steve Linger, who represents First bus drivers in Essex, struck a conciliatory note by saying he wanted to resolve the dispute before Monday.

But he said Mr Pilbeam would have to get rid of all terms and conditions “imposed” on staff by his predecessor for an agreement to be reached.

He added: “The current managing director repaired it and he has made some concessions.

“Has he done enough? According to the shop stewards – no.”

“We’re always ready to sit, talk, negotiate and resolve it. But to do that, we need some sort of commitment from the MD.”

First says it will run as many bus services as it can, with information available on www.firstgroup.com or by calling 08456 020 121.

First Essex engineers are also taking strike action after an agreement could not be reached over this year’s pay offer.