York bus drivers who are embroiled in a pay dispute said today they were "not greedy".

As First York management and workers were meeting again today to iron out a pay and conditions agreement that may stave off the strike threat, drivers told the Evening Press they "just want to drive buses".

In an anonymous letter to the paper, a disgruntled driver claimed morale was at "an all-time low" and they just want to get it all sorted out.

"No decision has been taken regarding industrial action, although it is to go to a ballot next week," read the letter signed by "First York Bus Drivers".

"We are not greedy people, our job is to drive buses, and that is what we intend to do.

"We have no desire to disrupt services in any way, shape or form."

It is believed the sticking-point is now just the hourly rate for drivers - problems over unpaid breaks have been largely resolved.

First York workers have already turned down a pay deal, claiming they want wages in parity with their colleagues in Manchester and Leeds.The latest offer, a three per cent rise, was rejected 140 to ten by workers.

Managing director Brian Asquith said: "We will be looking at taking a renewed offer to the table. First York has clearly demonstrated its commitment to its staff in the past by increasing rates of pay well above inflation

Updated: 15:56 Monday, June 25, 2001