London bus strikes: Abellio drivers accept pay rise

Members of Unite employed by Abellio have staged a series of strikes in recent months

A long-running dispute involving more than 1,800 bus drivers in London has come to an end after workers accepted a "richly deserved" pay offer.

Members of Unite employed by Abellio have staged a series of walkouts in recent months, disrupting journeys in south and west London.

Unite said an offer had been accepted that would see drivers with over two years' service being paid £18 an hour.

Abellio London said it was "delighted" the offer had been accepted.

• London bus drivers announce fresh wave of strikes

• Bus strikes begin in south and west London

The pay rise equates to an increase of 18% on the basic rate, while the agreement also includes all rates being raised, including overtime and rest-day working.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called it an "important pay victory".

"Workers have stood firm and with the support of their union, Unite, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase," she added.

A spokesperson for Abellio London said the "substantial pay rise" equated to an increase of about £100 a week and made the firm "one of the highest-paying operators in London".

"It was disappointing that strikes unnecessarily continued into February despite this fantastic offer being made at the beginning of the year," they added.

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