Stagecoach Merseyside strike called off over new pay offer

Unite previously said the strikes in Liverpool had been "a last resort"

Bus workers have been called off planned strike action after a "substantial" pay increase was agreed.

Members of the Unite union at Stagecoach Merseyside were due to walk out on Wednesday over the dispute but a new pay offer has been agreed following a ballot.

The 370-strong workforce, based at the Gillmoss depot, had already taken a day's strike action on 4 July.

Stagecoach Merseyside said it was pleased to have agreed a deal.

The deal will see bus drivers pay increase to £14 an hour backdated to March and to £14.20 from January 2023, the union said.

Engineers will see their pay increase by 10.3%, backdated to March and a further 1.45% from January 2023.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a substantial pay increase and demonstrates what can be achieved by workers taking a stand where we know employers can pay.

"Unite is dedicated to fighting for the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and the pay deal at Stagecoach Merseyside demonstrates that this approach is winning."

A spokeswoman for the bus firm said its services were "critical to our communities and we are proud of the fantastic job our teams do in delivering vital transport connections for local people".

"We are pleased to have agreed a long-term pay deal... that is in the collective best interests of our people and our customers and supports the sustainability of the bus network," she added.

Industrial action involving Unite members employed by Arriva in the North West is unresolved and is set to begin on Wednesday.

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