Bus strike ends after new pay offer accepted

A strike by Arriva bus workers in Yorkshire has ended after a new pay settlement was agreed.

The industrial action, which began on 6 June, was halted after Arriva and the Unite union reached a fresh deal.

About 650 bus workers had walked out after turning down an initial offer of a 4% pay rise, with Unite warning drivers had been forced to resort to using food banks.

However, the union said a “vastly improved” offer worth about 9% for drivers was accepted following a ballot of its members.

Sharon Graham, the union’s general secretary, said it was “a superb result for our members”.

“Through their unity and determination they have ensured Arriva more than doubled its original offer,” she said.

The hourly rate for new starters has increased from £9.79 to £10.84, while drivers with at least three years’ service will receive £13.20 an hour.

Arriva said it was pleased “for our customers and colleagues” that an agreement had been struck. The deal would bring “confidence back to the bus network in Yorkshire”, a spokesman added.

The industrial dispute has impacted services across West Yorkshire as well as parts of North, South and East Yorkshire, with about 300 buses off the road across 132 routes.