Strike action that has affected the entire First Manchester bus
service has ended after drivers accepted a vastly improved pay
offer.
The 300 plus drivers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading
union, have accepted an improved offer which will see pay rates
increase by 8.9 per cent.
In addition to the increase in basic pay the drivers will see all
other payments increase by the same percentage and they will also
receive a one off payment of £750.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent
result for our members at First Manchester. By standing together
and remaining united they have secured a substantial pay
rise.
“This deal puts down a strong marker for other bus companies that
Unite will fight for decent pay increases that reflect the cost
of living crisis. We are determined to defend members’ jobs, pay
and conditions – it is Unite’s number one priority.”
In total bus drivers took eight days of strike action since the
beginning of the year in the dispute, which caused considerable
disruption to bus passengers throughout Greater Manchester.
The drivers recorded a 70 per cent yes vote to accept the
improved pay offer.
Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “From the beginning of
this dispute Unite made it clear that strike action could be
avoided if First Manchester was prepared to table an offer that
met our members’ aspirations. Once the company understood this, a
deal was agreed and the dispute ended.
“It is hoped that following this pay deal, relations with First
Manchester can be strengthened and further disputes can be
avoided in the future.”
There is a growing shortage of bus drivers throughout the
UK. A recent survey of Unite members
revealed that 99 per cent of garages had shortages and that low
pay was identified as the primary reason for workers leaving the
profession.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
First Manchester bus strikes
suspended following new pay offer
First Manchester bus drivers
announce fresh strikes in pay dispute
