Bus driver strike deadlock finally ended as firm offers massive 18% pay rise
Hundreds of bus drivers have secured a massive 18% pay rise after their employer made a "greatly improved" offer following a series of strikes.
Union bosses have hailed an "important pay victory" after reaching a deal to break the deadlock with London-based bus firm Abellio.
Workers had walked out on more than 20 days since the start of last year before the company put forward the revised offer.
Unite said the dispute had been resolved after a ballot saw members accept an £18-an-hour offer for drivers with over two years' experience.
The dispute had involved more than 1,800 staff employed by the firm.
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The agreement also includes an increased rate for new starters and higher weekend pay.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham welcomed the agreement (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important pay victory. Workers have stood firm and with the support of their union, Unite, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase.
"Unite’s constant focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of our members is continuing to deliver increased pay awards for workers.”
The union's regional officer Guy Langston, said: “This pay deal could not have been secured without the hard work of Unite’s reps and the commitment of its members.
"Unite will be looking to build on its increased industrial strength in future pay negotiations."
Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP praised union members for fighting hard for fair pay.
She posted on Twitter: "After 20 days of strike action, Abellio bus drivers have just won an 18% pay rise. Solidarity with Unite members who got organised and fought hard for fair pay.
"If your pay's not keeping up with inflation, join a union and do the same."
A spokesperson from Abellio London said: "We are delighted that our drivers have now accepted the substantial pay rise we put in place in early January.
"This will see an increase in pay for all of our drivers, with a base rate rise of as much as 18% for some grades, equating to around £100 per week increase.
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"We are proud that this makes us one of the highest paying operators in London with a new starter salary of c£32,000 moving to c£40,000 after two years' service.
"It was disappointing that strikes unnecessarily continued into February despite this fantastic offer being made at the beginning of the year.
"It brings to an end a difficult period of industrial action which has been tough for the company, our drivers and our customers.
"With the issue now settled we look forward to continuing to offer Londoners outstanding service on our routes while making innovations on sustainable public transport."
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