Over 900 bus drivers employed by the Stagecoach group in East London have secured a 10 per cent pay increase, following the threat of strike action.

Greatly improved offer

The drivers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, were originally offered a six per cent pay increase with a further two per cent to be paid at a later date.

However, once Unite notified the company that it was preparing to ballot its members for industrial action, further negotiations were held and an improved offer of 10 per cent fully backdated to April 2022 was offered. Unite’s members were then balloted on the offer, which was accepted.

Important victory

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was an important victory at Stagecoach. When the employers recognised the determination of our members they returned to the negotiating table and made a greatly improved pay offer.

 “This latest pay deal in London buses underlines how Unite’s ferocious determination to always prioritise the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is delivering financial dividends.”

London bus deals

The deal at Stagecoach follows recent wins for bus drivers in the capital with London United drivers securing 10 per cent, Arriva drivers receiving 11 per cent and Go-Ahead bus workers securing a 10.5 per cent increase.

Unite regional officer John Murphy said: “This deal was secured through the hard work and persistence of Unite’s representatives and the unity of the workforce.”

ENDS

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

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

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.