First Bus Manchester strikes postponed as Unite recommend pay offer to members- ballot date announced

Strike action planned by Unite the union members at First Bus Manchester has been postponed. Drivers at the travel company’s Oldham depot were due to take industrial action this month as part of their ongoing dispute over pay. 

However, action has been postponed as a new pay offer has been agreed. Members will vote on whether or not to take the increase on Wednesday September 6.  

The postponement of strike action comes just a day after Unite members at Stagecoach Manchester also called off insurial action. This was also due to a pay offer being accepted by union members. 

Rob Hughes, Operations Director of First Manchester, said: “We are delighted to have agreed a settlement and that Unite has postponed its industrial action immediately. Unite has confirmed the union will recommend our latest pay offer to its members in a ballot next week.

“Our team remains focused on delivering excellent services in Oldham and the wider region. We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding throughout our determined efforts to end this dispute.” 

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “Following improved offers from First Manchester and GMAT, Unite has, as an act of good faith, suspended strikes while our members are balloted on the new deals.”

Unite added that new strike dates would be announced if the pay offer is rejected by members in the ballot.