Bus drivers win on pay

Bus drivers at Stagecoach in South Wales have won better pay after a 17 day long strike which caused disruption to more than 50 routes.

Just as the workers, members of Unite, were threatening continuous strike action, which was due to begin November on 17, the employer caved in to workers’ demands and tabled a new deal. The revised pay offer includes a pay rise of £1 per hour, setting a new rate of £10.50 per hour, which will be backdated to April 2021.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “This is a tremendous victory for our members. They have been completely united throughout the strike. As a result they have achieved what is a breakthrough deal for these workers, of £10.50 an hour.

“All transport operators in Wales need to recognise that we will not accept poverty pay for our members.”

It is not the only win on the buses. More than 50 drivers for Kinchbus in the East Midlands have called off strikes that were scheduled for November and December after their employer was forced to table an inflation-busting deal.

The new offer sees lower-paid drivers receive an 8.5% pay rise, while more experienced drivers will get a 5.3% increase.

Unite regional coordinating officer Scott Lennon said: “This result shows what can be achieved through strong union organisation, which is why we urge workers looking to improve their pay and conditions to join Unite and to get their colleagues to do the same.”