Oldham First Manchester bus strikes called off after pay deal agreed

The First Bus dispute ends as the union accepts an "improved" offer

Bus strikes have been called off after a new pay deal was reached.

Drivers at First Manchester's depot in Oldham were due to take industrial action from 4 to 8 September.

The strikes were suspended for Unite union members to vote on the "improved" pay deal, which First Manchester said would see an overall pay rise of 18.5%.

The firm said it was delighted, while the union described it as a "substantial" victory for members who now had "excellent" pay deals.

The union has said the hourly rate for a First Bus driver had been £13.50 an hour.

First Manchester said this would rise to £15.50 immediately then go up to £16 in January with a £1,100 lump sum in lieu of backpay from April.

Operations Director Rob Hughes said the acceptance of its "generous offer makes our drivers some of the best-paid in Greater Manchester together with additional employment benefits".

"This ends any further damaging strike action and the severe disruption this has caused to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments."

He said: "The whole team can now focus on continuing to deliver an excellent service throughout the communities we serve."

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Congratulations to our First Oldham and Greater Manchester Accessible Transport (GMAT) members who achieved substantial victories by standing together in their union and refusing to back down.

"These results are further proof that Unite's total concentration on improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members."

The proposal comes after drivers at Stagecoach in Greater Manchester also voted to accept a deal, ending their long-running dispute over pay.