Bus strikes called off as pay agreement reached

Drivers were due to walk out for seven days from 13 October

Planned strikes by bus drivers in Merseyside and Lancashire have been called off after a pay agreement was reached.

About 500 Stagecoach staff in Birkenhead, Chorley and Preston were due to stage two seven-day walkouts over what they said were "huge disparities" in pay between rival bus operators.

Announcing an agreement which would see hourly rates rise to £16.50, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Bus drivers do an incredibly difficult job and by standing together in their union these workers secured a pay rise that reflects that."

Stagecoach has been approached for comment.

Drivers in Birkenhead will see their pay increase by 10.2% over two years – from £14.94 an hour to £16.50, a Unite spokesperson said.

Preston and Chorley workers will receive a 6.4% increase over one year, with wages increasing from £15.50 to £16.50.

The pay deals are to be backdated to 1 April 2025, Unite added.

Managing director of Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire Matt Davies previously said the company would continue to work with the union to reach a resolution.

"Throughout this process, we have done our utmost to present an offer that meets their expectations whilst also being affordable for the long-term sustainability of the region's bus network," he said.