BANK Holiday commuters in York could be hit with bus strikes after all, as management hopes that a revised pay deal will be accepted appeared today to have been dashed.

Industrial action by drivers at First will start on Saturday should they reject a pay deal in a secret ballot tomorrow.

The news emerged from a specially-convened Transport & General Workers' Union (TGWU) branch meeting last night to discuss First's offer. A motion was tabled and passed from the floor agreeing that, should the offer be rejected, staff would walk out on Saturday.

Earlier this week, it appeared the TGWU had called off the threat of action beginning this week when they recommendation a deal which would mean a near 20 per cent pay rise over three years.

Peter Edwards, commercial manager at First, said: "Our concerns are the impact that this will have on commuters both in York and visitors on one of busiest days of the year.

"It is a pity that, having agreed to postpone action, we now have a situation where it may be reinstated. It is also a pity that the expectation of the members is such that they are not even prepared to consider an offer way in excess of current rates of inflation."

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, August 21, 2003