Glasgow First Bus driver strike halted after new pay offer

First Bus drivers in Glasgow were due to walk out for seven days on Friday

A planned strike at Glasgow's main local bus company has been suspended while union members consider a new pay offer.

First Bus drivers were due to walk out for seven days on Friday.

But the Unite union has halted the action, which would have resulted in major travel disruption, after a new deal was tabled.

It is now to be put to a ballot for members in the coming days with a recommendation of acceptance.

About 1,200 drivers were scheduled to take part in the strikes.

First said previous offers were "well above" the rate of inflation, but Unite had argued the deal still undervalued its Glasgow staff compared to those elsewhere in the UK.

Bus services will now operate as planned between Friday 24 November and Friday 1 December, First said.

A spokesperson added: "Following further talks with union representatives, we can confirm a new offer will be put forward to union members for ballot by Unite with unanimous recommendation of acceptance.

"As a result, the planned industrial action between Friday 24 November and Friday 1 December has been cancelled.

"We appreciate the uncertainty this will have caused our customers and employees and wish to thank them for their patience while the discussions took place."

The new pay offer was formally put to Unite this morning following negotiations held through conciliation service Acas.

Drivers previously voted in 99% in favour of strikes at a 77% turnout.

Unite industrial officer Willie Thomson described the new deal as "significantly improved".

He said: "Unite's 1,200 drivers will be balloted on the new offer and we have agreed to suspend the forthcoming industrial action until this process is complete."