BUS drivers have been told to time their breaks by union bosses preparing for a showdown with managers.

The records kept by First Hampshire and Dorset bus workers will be a key factor in determining whether 254 First workers go out on strike.

The union leaders and management clashed last year when drivers claimed they were getting insufficient break times between shifts – a claim fiercely refuted by the company.

Jen Parker, Unite union regional officer, told the Daily Echo the notes drivers were going to keep in January would prove the workers’ claims and force the company to act.

She said: “We are not letting this matter drop and we are sure the workers’ notes will demonstrate the inadequate break times many drivers are forced to put up with.

“We will be presenting these notes to the company in the next month as proof of how little time drivers have off between shifts and how they react will decide whether we strike or not.”

Three 24-hour strikes were arranged over Christmas for December 20 and 22 and yesterday but cancelled at the last minute.