Bus workers in Hertfordshire could go on strike because of a row over pay.
Unite the Union says 900 Arriva employees based in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire will take part in a ballot this summer.
Workers at Arriva’s regional depots will decide whether to strike, with the vote beginning on July 13 and closing on August 10.
The trade union claims the pay dispute is "entirely of Arriva's own making".
Unite says Arriva's offer to drivers, admin staff, engineers, cleaners and shunters of a pay rise of between four and six % is actually a "real terms pay cut", pointing towards the real rate of inflation running at 11.7%.
The union adds Arriva's pay rise offer results in a reduction of 16.6% in overtime rates, as well as an end to paid time for compulsory duties outside of driving.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The strings attached to this so-called pay offer are outrageous – they reduce the value of the offer to zero. Arriva is asking our members to take a huge cut in the value of their earnings. That is simply unacceptable.
"Arriva is part of a global transport giant. It can afford to pay its workers properly and Unite is determined that it will do so."
According to Unite, the average pay for an Arriva bus driver in this region is £13.45 an hour.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: "Strike action will inevitably cause severe disruption to bus passengers across the region, but this dispute is entirely of Arriva’s own making as workers are not prepared to accept a pay cut disguised as a rise.
"Disruption can be avoided if Arriva makes a pay offer which meets members’ expectations."
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An Arriva spokesperson said: "Further discussions with our trade union partner, Unite, are ongoing.
"We remain focused on offering a fair and affordable pay deal which is reflective of our Unions’ aspirations as well as ensuring our vital bus services and networks are sustainable across the Region. We will update when there’s news."
Nearly 2,000 Unite members employed by Arriva in north west England have recently voted to strike over pay, while more than 650 Yorkshire workers went on strike this year over the same issue.
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