Bus strikes set to start on Monday called off after 'better' pay offer
01.09.2023 - 16:29
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Strikes affecting buses in Greater Manchester next week have been called off. The industrial action planned by drivers at First Manchester were set to start on Monday (September 4) and affect buses operating from the Oldham depot.
But Unite, the trade union representing drivers in the pay dispute, has now called off the five-day walkout as its members vote on whether to accept an 'improved deal'. First says the ballot will be held on Wednesday (September 6).
Meanwhile, industrial action planned by Greater Manchester's Ring and Ride drivers has also been put on hold. Around 7,000 disabled or older people use the service which offers a low-cost door-to-door accessible transport option on demand for residents with walking difficulties and other mobility issues.
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Unite said staff were left with 'little choice' but to take strike action over their 'poverty wages'. Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Ltd (GMATL), which runs the publicly-funded scheme, offered to raise pay by up to 10 pc – but according to the union, its members are currently paid the minimum wage.
However, a 'better offer' will now be put to members for a vote. The Ring and Ride drivers voted to strike, but a date for this action had not been announced.
Fresh strike action will be scheduled by Unite if the workers reject the new deals. Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: "Following improved offers from First Manchester and GMAT, Unite has, as an act of good faith, suspended strikes while our members are balloted on the new deals."
First Manchester operations director Rob Hughes said: "We are delighted to have agreed a settlement and that Unite has