Glasgow and Aberdeen bus depots to be balloted on new offer

Unite the union has confirmed today (Tuesday 28 February) that Bidvest Noonan workers, contracted to clean and refuel buses for First Bus in Glasgow and Aberdeen, have suspended their strike action due to begin tomorrow (1 March) whilst they ballot on a new pay offer made by the company.

Over 100 cleaners, fuellers and shunters were set to strike after previously rejecting a two per cent pay offer. Unite was clear that this offer was unacceptable and when the company refused to improve it, workers balloted for strike action across the depots.

However, an invite to fresh talks less than 48 hours before the first walkouts were set to begin has resulted in a new offer, which will be put to the membership in a ballot.

If this offer is rejected, then Unite members will go on strike from Wednesday 8 March.

Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer said: “Our members have stood firm in the run up to industrial action, and this has caused the employer to come back around the table and make a new pay offer.
“It is now up to our members to decide if they believe this is sufficient. If the latest offer is rejected, then strike action will go ahead as planned on the 8th of March.”

ENDS