AN overwhelming majority of Worcester bus drivers have voted in favour of a strike because of changes to their working conditions.

Almost 150 First drivers across Worcestershire and Herefordshire were balloted over the prospect of industrial action.

Ninety per cent said they would be in favour of a walkout which could take place during the school holidays which get underway on Monday.

The Unite union says members were balloted after drivers’ working weeks were dropped from 39 to 37 hours, adding they now don’t get paid for carrying out ‘walk around’ checks of the vehicles.

“Ninety per cent of those balloted were in favour of taking industrial action,” said Chris Purvis, regional officer with Unite.

“A notice of action has not been served though.”

Mr Purvis is currently meeting members of First group in a bid to come to an agreement.

He said his members hadn’t agreed to the changes.

Speaking last week, before the ballot closed, he said: “I’m always hopeful that we can resolve this. This is the last thing we want to be doing and we want to work with First to resolve this.”

Andrew Wheeler, marketing, PR and sales co-ordinator with First, confirmed the two parties were due to meet “to discuss the matter further”.

The transport group has previously said it was “disappointed” at the prospect of a strike.