Strikes by over 3,100 drivers end after vote to accept improved pay offer

West Midlands bus strikes have ended after a ballot of more 3,100 National Express drivers resulted in an improved offer being accepted, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today (Saturday).

The offer includes a one-year 16.2 per cent pay increase and improvements to the drivers’ accident pay and hourly rates for working over the Christmas holidays.

National Express has also guaranteed to implement new terms and conditions that were agreed with Unite in November last year, a key sticking point in the dispute.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important win for Unite members.  By standing together our members at National Express secured an above inflation pay offer.

“Unite will leave no stone unturned to defend workers' pay. This is yet another example of how Unite’s relentless focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions results in real 'money in the pockets' of our members.”

More than 200 National Express engineers voted last week to accept a separate pay deal. Unite also ensured that around 250 admin staff will also benefit from this deal.

Unite lead national officer Onay Kasab said: “We congratulate every one of our members for making this stand and winning. Unite will continue to work, through our Bus Combine, to win double digit pay increases for our members.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 020 3371 2065.

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.