First bus drivers in Aberdeen are to start their overtime ban on Friday.

This Unite movement will be followed by a series of one-day strikes, culminating in a week-long strike from March 26.

The dispute is a result of imposed changes to terms and conditions in pay, overtime rates, sick pay, removal of paid breaks and longer working days with split shifts.

Unite said the imposed changes will lead to cuts in pay for workers ranging from 10% to 23%, depending on the level of overtime worked.

The vote for action was overwhelming, with Unite members voting 95% in favour of action and action short of strike in an 81% turnout.

Unite regional officer, Willie Wallace, said: "First Bus is arguing that they need these changes to stem the decline in their financial performance, but when Unite put alternative suggestions for making the savings to the company, these were rejected."

"Our members have shown by the high vote for industrial action, how angry they are with First Bus around the imposition of these cuts and have been forced, reluctantly, to withdraw their labour."

"We have a situation where a two-tier workforce has meant new starts are employed on lesser terms and conditions than those on older contracts.

"This needs to stop and our members have made this clear with this result.

"First Aberdeen should reconsider Unite's proposals which would halt this action."