Bus strikes OFF as First announces new pay deal is accepted by union

Bosses at First Manchester have announced their latest pay offer has been accepted by union members, ending a six-month dispute. Unite the Union members based at the First depot, in Oldham, have recently walked out over pay on a number of occasions.

The union said its members at First were among the worst paid by bus providers in Greater Manchester before taking industrial action this year. But the latest round of strike action was halted for a ballot to take place yesterday (September 6) over a new pay deal.

First has now announced that the offer has been accepted. Rob Hughes, operations director at 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.

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"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." The recent strike action had affected several First services in Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Manchester.

First says the new pay deal means drivers will receive a wage hike to £15.50 per hour from September 3, a lump sum payment of £1,100 and a further rise to £16.00 per hour from January, plus improved bank holiday pay. The company says it represents an 18.5% increase in pay over the period, above the current rate of inflation of 7.9%, but says it is 'disappointing' a breakthrough with Unite took so long.

Mr Hughes added: "It is disappointing that it has taken six months to get an agreement with Unite after we