THE threat of strike action could return to York's buses as morale hits "rock bottom".

The Evening Press has received a series of calls from drivers angry at recent changes at First York which they claim have made working conditions unacceptable.

A number of the drivers said they are considering asking the union to call for a strike ballot over conditions and treatment by management.

As revealed earlier this week, drivers have been considering a move to train company Arriva, which is currently recruiting.

Bus bosses were hoping the new Metro service, which cost £11million to introduce, would improve public transport in the city and encourage more passengers.

Although they claim passenger numbers have improved since the scheme was introduced 11 days ago, some bus users and drivers have expressed different opinions.

Passengers have complained of infrequent and full services, while drivers have complained about:

An inadequate canteen

Having to walk across town and back, adding an hour on to the working day

Complaints from passengers about services.

"Things could not be much worse," said one driver, who asked not to be named for fear of losing his job. "Morale is terrible, some of us are thinking of calling for strike action. The conditions are intolerable."

Brian Anderson, regional industrial organiser at the Transport and General Workers' Union, said there were no formal proceedings active relating to strike action but he was not surprised drivers were calling for it, as morale was "at rock bottom".

But operations manager at First York, Paul Bell, said: "People generally don't like change. There are a handful of moaners who are feeding you this nonsense. These are malicious comments.

"I had a meeting with the union and nothing about strike action was mentioned at all. The canteen facilities are absolutely superb, there are no security problems and the new service is working very well and has been accepted by drivers.

"To say morale is low is absolute rubbish. Only one person has handed in their notice since the new Metro was introduced."

He added that drivers having to walk across town was "not a serious problem" as drivers only had to go to James Street if they chose to park their cars there. "I would be happy to invite the Press down to see how things work; we have nothing to be ashamed of and you would be welcome to talk to anyone," he said.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, September 27, 2001