Major UK city’s bus strikes off as union scoops ‘excellent’ pay deal | UK | News
Further strikes that would have paralyzed transport were avoided in a major UK city when bus company staff working for various operators signed an “excellent” new pay deal. Previously Union union The drivers in question work for various operators Manchester’The integrated Bee Network transportation system had rejected fare proposals ranging from 3.5% to 6%.
already had to hitBut further cuts to services have now been avoided as Stagecoach and Metroline drivers have voted to accept offers from their employers. This means Bee Network bus drivers’ strike this month has been called off after agreeing to a “vastly improved pay deal”.
The walkout, which affected around 190 services last week, was called off at the eleventh hour on Thursday 9 October as drivers voted on a new pay offer from Bee Network bus operators Metroline and Stagecoach.
Around 2,000 Unite members working for Stagecoach and Metroline were also expected to walk away on 18, 23 and 24 October over a pay dispute.
The strikes were called off after Unite members accepted a much improved pay offer of 12 per cent over two years.
The first pay rise of 5.9 per cent will be based entirely on April 2025, and workers will receive a further 5.9 per cent pay rise next April on all pay rates, including weekend and sick pay.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bus drivers do tough, essential work every day and deserve a wage that reflects this. Unite is delighted that bus companies have come to their senses with a vastly improved offer.
“This is an excellent, well-deserved victory for our members at Stagecoach and Metroline, who fought their employers for better pay and won. It proves the power of a union.”
As well as improving wages, drivers have also been given improvements to their Christmas work; These include improving pay and leave.
Meanwhile, the previous new starting rate of 12 months progression has been replaced by a commitment to pay new drivers full wages after six to 12 weeks of training.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) and Mayor Andy Burnham have also pledged to Unite to look at historic issues in the city’s passenger transport sector, such as access to toilets, adequate breaks and better retirement plans.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “This is a fantastic deal for drivers at Metroline and Stagecoach, giving them fixed pay increases for two years.
“This win came about as members came together to fight for the pay deal they deserve.
“We are also pleased that TFGM has pledged to resolve other issues around pay and conditions and Unite looks forward to working with them to improve this for our members in the Bee Network.”
Drivers on Stagecoach and Metroline were previously off work between 19 and 22 September, causing major disruption in Greater Manchester with two-thirds of services not running.
