THE union at the centre of ongoing bus strikes in Weymouth and Bridport has said there is now a "window of opportunity" to resolve the dispute.

Unite members working for First Dorset have staged industrial action over the course of six weeks since June in a protest over pay.

The union has argued that First Dorset drivers are "poor relations" in the company, with lower pay than their colleagues in Yeovil.

First, meanwhile, has contended that the eight per cent pay rise proposed by the drivers is not affordable for the company.

A rise of 2.3 per cent over two years, proposed by First, was rejected by union members.

First has taken steps to resolve disputes in both Glasgow and Leeds, raising hopes that the Weymouth walkout could be discussed at a meeting between Unite national officer for passenger transport Bobby Morton and First Group’s managing director Giles Fearnley and regional director David Alexander.

The meeting is due to take place tomorrow.

Mr Morton said: “With good progress being made in Glasgow and Leeds last week, now is the time for the local Dorset management to show the flexibility to settle the Weymouth dispute.

“The window of opportunity is now open as the First Group management appears to be relaxing its previous hard line in other disputes.

“Now is the time for First Hampshire and Dorset bosses to grasp the nettle and negotiate so that the lowest paid First Group bus drivers in England receive a decent pay rise.”

Unite has also announced a further day of strike action on Monday, August 1.

First has said that it has been able to operate 87 per cent of its services throughout the strike period.

Last week, First said it would take steps to examine the "viability" of its services in Dorset if the strike action continues, which could lead to job losses and reduction in services.