Planned strike action by bus drivers employed by Arriva in North London has been called off after the workers secured an improved pay offer, Unite the union announced today (Friday).

11 per cent increase

The 2,000 drivers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, will receive an 11 per cent pay increase from Saturday 15 October. The workforce will also receive 10 per cent in back pay from 2 April.

In addition, drivers who undertake a night shift on 26 December will now receive an extra £50 payment.

Strong result

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a very strong result and establishes what can be achieved when union members stand together in unity.

“This deal demonstrates how Unite’s complete focus on the jobs, pay and conditions is paying direct dividends for our members.”

Strikes called off

The drivers were due to begin all-out strike action from Tuesday 4 October but that was suspended following the new offer by the company. Unite members were balloted on the offer and following its acceptance by the workforce the industrial action has been called off.

The pay increase represents the best deal across the London bus network and Unite will be seeking to replicate it with other bus companies operating in the capital.

Build on result

Unite regional officer Steve Stockwell said: “This result would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Unite’s representatives.

 “Unite will now be looking to build on this deal across the London bus network.”

 ENDS

Notes to editors

London facing all-out bus strikes in Arriva pay dispute

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.