Union bosses say they fear up to 50 drivers could be brought to the Isle of Man by the government as industrial action looms.
The row over paid lunch breaks has seen the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure terminate all of its 100 full-time drivers, as well as raising the spectre of strike action and unfair dismissal cases.
Unite branch secretary Billy Chesnut says a strike ballot is expected soon – and he’s already heard of plans to bring drivers over to cover in the event of industrial action.
He claims work permits are being fast-tracked for potential strikebreakers, and says he has concerns about imported drivers:
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