BUS drivers’ union representatives were last night locked in talks with company bosses in a last-ditch attempt to avert tomorrow’s scheduled strike action.

Commuters and shoppers are preparing for transport chaos tomorrow in expectation of First bus drivers walking out in the first of four 24-hour strikes.

workers voted in favour of industrial action during a two-week ballot earlier this month. The stoppages were scheduled to begin at 4am tomorrow.

First runs 150 buses in Bolton, making up 70 per cent of the town’s services.

Representatives from Unite, the union which represents the workers, failed to reach an agreement with First after spending yesterday locked in emergency talks with company bosses at the union’s Oldham headquarters.

The strike was set to affect all First buses in Bolton, Bury and Wigan, but regional industrial organiser Bobby Morton said that further strikes may also be co-ordinated nationally.

Speaking before yesterday’s talks, he said: “I’m now calling all the trade union officials around the country for a meeting next week at the Trades Union Congress. There are other companies (divisions of First) around the country in a similar position, and the ones that are due a wage increase may also strike.

“It would affect about half of First’s services.”

Mr Morton said the strike may escalate to indefinite action if no agreement is reached by the end of the month, but First said it was hoping to avoid that.

A spokesman added: “All we have been asking is that our drivers earn the same this year as last and then from next April enjoy a two per cent increase. We have to be realistic about what we can deliver and funding a larger pay award for drivers in this environment is simply not possible.”

First employs 420 staff in Bolton, who are angry because bosses declined to give them a pay rise this year, despite the company making £134 million profits in 2008.

Further strikes were due to follow on Monday, September 14, Monday, September 21, and Monday, September 28.

julian.thorpe@ theboltonnews.co.uk