Bus workers to vote on winter strike over pay

Unite said 300 workers will vote on strike action

Bus drivers and support staff in Leicestershire are set to vote on winter strike action over a pay dispute.

Trade union, Unite, said 300 Arriva workers, including depot and office staff in Leicester, Hinckley and Coalville, will vote on the action in response to what they say is an "inadequate pay offer".

A spokesperson said workers are demanding wages which "better reflect the rising cost of living and the difficulties of their roles".

Arriva said the company will continue to work with the union to find a resolution.

The transport company has offered drivers a 3.53% pay rise from June 2025, plus a further 0.9% from January 2026, the union spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, non-driving staff have been offered a 3.8% rise from June 2025.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Arriva is a hugely wealthy company and can well afford to put forward a reasonable pay offer."

The ballot for strike action, which the union said will "severely impact bus services" in Leicester, Hinckley and Coalville, will end on 19 November.

A spokesperson for Arriva Midlands said: "We're aware that Unite plans to ballot its members about industrial action.

"We will continue to work with Unite to find a resolution."