Planned strike action by bus drivers employed at First South have been called off after the company agreed to make a cost-of-living payment to its workers, following negotiations led by Unite on behalf of its members.

Strikes involving 185 members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, were due to begin on Friday (25 August) ending in the early hours of Tuesday (29 August).

However, following talks this week First South agreed to make a one-off lump sum payment of £600 to the workers, (separate from ongoing pay talks) and as a result the industrial action has been called off.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This deal underlines the power of worker solidarity. Our members took a stand and First South returned to the negotiating table and made an offer that workers were prepared to accept.”

“This deal is further evidence of how Unite’s focus on jobs, pay and conditions is delivering financial benefits for its members.”

“Unite will build on this deal in further pay negotiations at First South.”

Unite regional officer Ian Woodland said: “The deal was down to the commitment and hard work of Unite’s reps who ensured the workforce were united and forced the employer back to the negotiating table.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Solent braced for bank holiday weekend bus strikes as First South workers walk out

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

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.