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.

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."

Simon Tramalloni from Stagecoach Merseyside said the firm was "pleased to have reached an agreement over pay, which will prevent any further disruption".

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.

Mr Tramalloni, interim operations director for Stagecoach Merseyside, said the firm was "very proud of our employees, who do a fantastic job in serving our communities".

"This agreement means that we can now focus on the future ahead and making sure we continue to deliver the best possible service," he added.