Bus drivers strike called off after new pay offer

The 450 Stagecoach drivers will now vote on the new pay offer

A planned strike by hundreds of bus drivers in a city has been called off after a new pay offer from their employer, a union has said.

Some 450 Stagecoach drivers in Liverpool were due to walk out for five days from 13 June.

Unite union members previously said they were angry that their salary was £3,000 a year less than drivers at rival company, Arriva.

The industrial action has been paused "as a goodwill gesture" while the drivers are balloted on the new offer, Unite said.

'Improved offer'

The BBC has contacted Stagecoach for a comment.

The strike would have affected transport to events including large concerts by Taylor Swift and Pink.

Unite regional officer Brian Troake said: "The threat of industrial action has made Stagecoach see sense and come back to the table with a new and improved offer for our members that recognises their hard work and current low pay.

"We have decided, as a goodwill gesture, to cancel the planned strikes later this month to allow the ballot to take place."

If the new offer is rejected by members, the bus drivers will strike for two days from 24 June.

Stagecoach previously said the company had "done its utmost" to make an offer to meet workers' expectations "while also being affordable for the long-term sustainability of the region's bus network".