Lothian Country and East Coast drivers set for 19.6% pay uplift over two years

Unite the union has confirmed that it has secured a significant two-year wage deal for bus drivers on the East Coast of Scotland.

Over 230 Unite members employed by Lothian Country and East Coast Buses are set to receive a cumulative pay increase over two years that will uplift basic hourly pay by 19.6 per cent. This equates to a pay rise of around £5,100 for drivers working a guaranteed 39-hour week.

Unite members overwhelmingly backed the pay offer at both bus companies who are owned by the publicly run Lothian Buses.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The deal for Lothian Country and East Coast buses demonstrates the value of being in Unite. Our members have secured a significant wage deal over two years that will see an increase in hourly pay by 19.6 per cent. It’s another great example of Unite driving up the jobs, pay and conditions of our members.”

In the first year, pay will increase by 14.2 per cent taking the hourly rate from £13 per hour to £14.85 per hour along with a guarantee to deliver a 39-hour working week. The second year of the deal will see a further 4.7 per cent rise on top of the 2023 pay rate taking hourly pay to £15.55 per hour.

Unite regional industrial officer, Mr Lyn Turner, said: “Unite is pleased that our membership at both bus companies have agreed to a significant pay rise. The deal will uplift the annual pay of over 230 drivers by around £5,100 come the spring time of 2025, which in these challenging times is a really good result.”

ENDS