Drivers at Transdev Harrogate and District have voiced critical concerns over an unpopular new schedule and rota system.

They say the new system leaves them with less free time between shifts, fewer consecutive days off and more weekend work for the same pay.

The changes to drivers' schedules had last week forced an indicative ballot from union members, with 100 out of 109 saying they would vote in favour of industrial action. If a strike did take place, it would be the first in more than 20 years.

But Transdev managing director Dave Alexander defended the changes. He is now in talks with the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) and said this week he was absolutely confident an agreement would be reached, and industrial action avoided.

The alterations to schedules which are the subject of the dispute were put in place on April 27 to change the rotas and working hours of the drivers.

One disgruntled bus driver, who does not wish to be named, said: "There has been a lot of bad feeling.

"The outcome of the ballot is that the drivers have said we are not prepared to accept this; we are prepared to take industrial action. It's a very strange situation, because the feeling amongst us is none of us want to go on strike.

"Bus users will be quite surprised to learn that their driver could have had very little rest between finishing one day and starting the next."

But Mr Alexander called the comments "mischievous."

He said the new rota system had been brought in to meet drivers' requests for overtime availability, as well as necessary changes after the introduction of a new service to York.

"We're doing all we can to resolve any outstanding issues and we are confident that we can reach an amicable solution," he said.

"On a scale of one to 10, do I think we'll get them resolved? It's a nine. We can and we always do. We've enjoyed a very constructive relationship with the trade union for years."

He said that since the ballot was taken last week, 75 per cent of the complaints had already been resolved, and another meeting was scheduled with the TGWU on June 11 to discuss any other issues.

Branch chairman of the TGWU, Mick Comery, said: "Until all our processes are exhausted, the ballot will not be used; it's just there to deduce feeling. We are still open to negotiations, we're still talking. We shall do our best to keep at it . There's got to be a solution. If we continue to talk, then as far as the trade unions are concerned we won't go to ballot. We don't want industrial action as much as anybody else."