MORE than 2,000 bus drivers and engineering staff working for Arriva North West are set to walk-out today due to a dispute over pay.

In Merseyside staff will walk out for 24 hours today (Thursday), Monday October 23 and Monday October 30.

This means that no planned Arriva bus services will run.

The announcement from the union Unite comes after crisis talks over pay for 2017/2018 broke down on Thursday, October 12.

The strikes will disrupt bus services operating out of Arriva depots in Birkenhead, St. Helens, Speke, Southport, Bootle, Bolton, Green Lane, Macclesfield, Runcorn, Winsford and Wythenshawe.

In a statement a spokesman for Arriva North West said: "Arriva North West are disappointed to announce planned industrial action by drivers and engineers.

"The first 24 hour strike will be Thursday, October 19.

"There are two further 24 hour strikes on Monday 23 and Monday, October 30.

"During these times no planned Arriva bus services will operate within Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cheshire (except for services running out of the Chester depot). 

"If we are in a position to operate a reduced service on the strike days we will of course communicate this to our customers on the day via social media channels.

"Please check our Facebook and Twitter pages for live updates on the day.

"Arriva North West want to wholeheartedly apologise to our customers who will be affected by this industrial action."

Commuters are being urged to check Arriva's website for travel updates: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-west/Latest/planned-industrial-action-by-arriva-drivers-in-the-north-west/#59e633e553797