Bus strike avoided after pay deal agreed

A series of strikes were due to begin on 6 May

A bus strike in Telford has been averted after union members voted to accept an improved pay deal.

More than 100 drivers employed by Arriva Midlands had voted for industrial action, which was due to begin on 6 May.

Their union, Unite, said drivers in the town were underpaid compared to others elsewhere in the West Midlands.

It said its members would "no doubt now be celebrating this excellent pay deal", while Arriva said the news would "come as a relief" to customers in Telford.

The union said drivers would now see their pay go up to £14 an hour and that it would be backdated from July 2024.

They would see it increase further to £14.45 in July this year and there would be improvements to sick pay and overtime, the union added.

Unite said its members voted 90% in favour of the deal.

Arriva Midlands said: "We're pleased to have come to an agreement with Unite which means industrial action will not take place.

"We are sure this will come as a relief to our customers in Telford."