Planned strike action scheduled for next week by bus drivers employed by Ribble Motor Services Ltd (part of the multimillion pound Stagecoach group) based at the Preston and Chorley bus depots has been suspended following an improved pay offer.

Standing together

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members have shown that by standing together in unity management has been obliged to make an improved pay offer.

"Stagecoach must understand that we remain utterly determined to secure proper and lasting improvements to the pay and conditions of our members."

Strikes suspended

The first strike, which would have disrupted services across South Lancashire, was scheduled for three days beginning on Thursday 14 October.

Following fresh pay talks yesterday (Thursday 7 October) a new improved pay offer was made by management. Unite is now in the process of balloting its members on the offer.

Members' decision

Unite regional officer Alison Spencer-Scragg said: “This offer is a welcome step in the right direction. Unite’s members will now decide if it meets their aspirations.”

If Unite's members reject the offer the second scheduled strike, which lasts for 48 hours and begins on Friday 22 October, will go ahead.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Stingy Stagecoach pushes Lancashire drivers to strike over pay

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.