EIGHTY Newport Transport workers could go on strike if a better pay deal is not offered, according to the regional officer for Unite the Union.

In a letter seen by the Argus, the electoral reform services wrote to Andy Richards, regional secretary of Unite the Union, informing them of the result of a ballot of union members on Tuesday.

Asked whether they were prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike, 67 members of staff, including bus drivers, voted yes. Only only 10 workers, or 13 per cent of those balloted, voted against industrial action.

Ken Fish, regional officer for Unite the Union, said the ballot dates back to a pay review issued in April last year, for 2015/16.

Discussions have been ongoing for 14 months but the threat of industrial action was only made this month as a last resort after talks broke down, according to Mr Fish.

He said: “I do understand that 2015/16 has been a tough trading time for Newport Transport. But the workers don’t accept the pay offer in the pay review.

“I held meetings leading up to the ballot and following an indicative ballot, indications were very strong that the workforce were willing to make a stand with their position.

“It’s a disappointment – we are talking about a pay review for 2015/16.”

Union representatives are due to meet with ACAS, an organisation devoted to preventing and resolving employment disputes, and Mr Fish believes strike action could yet be avoided.

He added: “We are hopeful with the support of ACAS, we won’t get to the point of action.

“We are hoping by the end of this week we will have some positive response with Newport Transport. We are in a position we don’t wish to be in.”

A spokesman for Newport Transport declined to comment on the matter.