Arriva bus drivers are set to strike on the SAME day as workers on Merseyrail and Northern Rail in a move that could bring Merseyside to a standstill.

Drivers and engineers at Arriva across the North West were due to go on strike on Monday in a dispute over pay.

But now unions Unite and the GMB have confirmed four more strike days – including Wednesday, November 8, when the RMT has already confirmed its members will strike in their row over removing guards from trains.

Arriva bus workers are also set to go out on strike on every Monday in November, but Unite and GMB members have decided to add an extra strike day to coincide with the rail dispute.

A letter signed by Arriva’s Merseyside managing director Howard Farrell and Manchester managing director Phil Cummins, confirming the strike dates, has been given to Arriva staff.

It says: “Despite our best efforts and further improvements to the offer we were unable to meet the mandate given to the union by yourselves of a one-year deal including £12.15 per hour (3.7%) from 1 January 2018 for Merseyside and Runcorn.”

It says Arriva is instead offering an updated 15-month deal of £12.10 per hour from January 2018.

And it adds: “We remain committed to working together with Unite and GMB to reach agreement, however any pay increase has to be sustainable for the business going forwards.”

The strike action will affect Arriva depots in Runcorn, St Helens, Speke, Green Lane, Birkenhead, Bootle and Southport.

Frequent public transport users are advised to look at Merseyrail website and Arriva North West Website.