Arriva North West strike suspended after new 11.1% pay offer

Strikes at bus operator Arriva North West have been called off after the company put forward an improved pay offer, trade union Unite, said this afternoon (August 17).

Around 1,800 workers, who have been on strike since July 20, will return to work from tomorrow (August 18) and be balloted on the offer.

The ballot will be conducted over the next two days with the result declared on Friday afternoon.

The one year 11.1% offer, which will be backdated to April, applies to more than 2,000 Unite members in Birkenhead, Bolton, Bootle, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Manchester, Runcorn, Southport, Speke, St Helens and Winsford.

Unite regional officer, Dave Roberts, said: “Following our members’ very strong rejection of the company’s offer yesterday evening, Arriva have seen sense and met the demands of our members by tabling an 11.1% pay deal.

“Unite’s negotiating team is recommending the offer be accepted and it is being put to members in a vote.”

He added: “The strike is suspended pending the outcome of the ballot and drivers are to return to work tomorrow to serve the needs of the community and public.

“The determination and resolve of our members has been solid throughout the industrial action and we thank those who have provided support and assistance to secure the offer from the company.”

George Patterson, organiser with the GMB union, said: “After weeks of unnecessary industrial action, Arriva bosses have finally come back with an offer that meets GMB members expectations.

“Industrial action will now be suspended while members vote on this new deal. If they accept, the strike will be officially over.”

Arriva North West published an update on its website, this afternoon, which said: “Arriva North West is today able to confirm that following ongoing discussions in recent weeks, all parties have come to an agreement on an unprecedented pay deal for Arriva North West drivers.

“Following a meeting today, in which the agreement was reached, Unions will now take this recommended offer to our colleagues.

“Furthermore, it has also been agreed that industrial action across Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside will be suspended from 3am on Thursday 18th August and all parties will now work together to progress the pay offer.

“Arriva would like to thank our customers across the North West region, for your continued patience in recent weeks, during the extremely challenging strike period. Timetable and journey information, for Arriva North West services returning on Thursday 18th August can be found online at arrivabus.co.uk and via the Arriva journey planning.”