Potential Gloucestershire strikes by more than 250 Stagecoach West bus drivers will not take place after an improved pay deal was secured by Unite, the UK’s leading union.

The drivers voted for strike action earlier this month but have now accepted a pay deal that will see wages increase by 11.1 per cent by January 2026.

This includes around a pound an hour pay rise effective from January 2025, plus a £400 one off payment for drivers who began work for Stagecoach West before October 2024.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is trade unionism in action: Stagecoach West’s drivers stood together and secured a substantial increase in pay. Unite’s mission to drive up jobs, pay and conditions is once again putting money in our members’ pockets.”

The deal also protects weekend and bank holiday rates, which were previously under threat. If the CPI inflation rate is higher than six per cent in January 2026, pay negotiations will be reopened.

The drivers are based in depots in Cheltenham, Coleway, Gloucester and Stroud.

Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said: “Well done to our Stagecoach reps and members. Without their hard work and solidarity this deal would not have been achieved. This result is a prime example of why those who want better wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to join too.”

ENDS 

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org 

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