Bus strikes over after pay deal reached

About 2,000 Bee Network drivers had been set to go on strike again next week

Strike action by bus drivers working on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network has been called off after their union struck a new pay deal with management.

Stagecoach and Metroline drivers secured what the Unite union described as a "vastly improved" offer ahead of planned walk-outs by about 2,000 of its members on 18, 23 and 24 October.

Unite said the deal included a pay rise of 5.9% backdated to April, with another to follow in April 2026.

Danny Vaughan, chief network officer of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), said: "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached between the operators, their staff and Unite, bringing an end to industrial action and disruption for bus passengers.”

He added: “The deal recognises the key role they play in keeping Greater Manchester moving, and – alongside the changes we've already made and those we've got planned – ensures Greater Manchester remains one of the best places in the country to be a bus driver."

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “Bus drivers do difficult, essential jobs day in, day out and deserve pay that reflects this.

”Unite is pleased the bus companies came to their senses with a greatly improved offer."

The union said the deal would include enhancements to pay over Christmas and time off in lieu.

Unite said that rather than having to wait 12 months to be paid their full salary, new recruits would now receive it after their initial 12 weeks of driver training.

Widespread disruption was caused during strike action from 19 to 22 September.