Bus services around Hastings were disrupted again today as union members staged a third 24-hour strike over pay and conditions.

About 100 Stagecoach workers were taking part in industrial action in Hastings and St Leonards.

Services were being affected by the dispute, although bosses were drafting in staff from across the country to minimise the inconvenience.

Members of the Transport and General Workers' Union say Stagecoach has imposed a three per cent wage increase but cut back their occupational sick pay scheme from 80 to 77 per cent.

The union is demanding a ten per cent pay rise, a reduction in shift hours and sick pay from the first day of sickness.

Mike Johnson, the T&G's regional industrial organiser, said Friday and Saturday's strikes attracted unanimous support from members.

He added: "We had hoped for an agreed settlement but I'm so sure now. It's all looking very bleak. But we are not giving up."

Stagecoach disputed the grounds for strike action, saying the figures being quoted by union officials were wrong.

Neil Instrell, Stagecoach's divisional manager, said the drivers' pay award from May was well above the rate of inflation and more than the three per cent being quoted by union members.