Oldham First Bus drivers end strikes after accepting latest pay offer

Strike action by First Bus drivers in Oldham is over after they accepted an improved pay offer from management.

Trade union Unite called off industrial action due to take place on September 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, while around 360 drivers balloted on the offer.

Drivers had been taking industrial action since July 3.

Today, First Bus said its Oldham drivers have agreed to a deal that represents a rise in hourly pay to £15.50 immediately and £16.00 from January, a £1,100 lump sum payment, and an overall increase in pay of 18.5%, with no strings attached.

The deal also includes improved pay for Bank Holiday working.

Rob Hughes, operations director of First Manchester, said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Unite and acceptance of a generous offer which makes our drivers some of the best paid in Greater Manchester, together with additional employment benefits.

“This ends any further damaging strike action and the severe disruption this has caused to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.”

He added: “It is disappointing that it has taken six months to get an agreement with Unite after we began talks in February and made a series of no-strings offers which met its requests on hourly pay and have all been well ahead of inflation.

“We have always approached pay talks with an open mind to try to resolve this dispute and move forward, allowing us to focus on the transition period to franchising and providing the people of Oldham with a great bus service.

“The whole team can now focus on continuing to deliver an excellent service throughout the communities we serve.”

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Accessible Transport (GMAT) drivers have also ceased industrial action after balloting in favour of a 10% pay increase backdated to April, a £350 one off payment for all staff and an extra day’s holiday per year.

GMAT has also committed to signing up to the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. This will improve terms and conditions, including improvements to sick pay, flexible working and maternity leave.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Congratulations to our First Oldham and GMAT members who achieved substantial victories by standing together in their union and refusing to back down.”