Bus stoppage leads to two-stage settlement

Drivers, engineers and office staff at bus company Wilts & Dorset are to receive pay rises of well above inflation after strike action forced the employer back to the negotiating table.

Seven hundred members of the RMT transport union took part in a “rock solid” 24-hour strike last month. A strike ballot had attracted 96% support for action in protest at the company’s previous pay offer, described by the union as a pay freeze which would impose “worse working conditions onto a loyal and hard-working staff”.

A follow-up stoppage lasting 48 hours was planned for the following week, but was postponed and then called off as last-minute talks were held to reach a new agreement. A key factor in recommending negotiations was the company’s agreement to withdraw productivity issues as a condition for pay increases.

The improved 12-month deal provides for an immediate 2.6% pay increase, followed by a further 3.7% in three months’ time. Also included are the introduction of part-time work, lieu days and holiday rotas.

RMT members at the company were being balloted on the new offer as Workplace Report went to press.