Stagecoach Manchester drivers strike called off as Unite members vote to accept ‘significant’ pay rise offer

Drivers at Stagecoach Manchester will no longer take part in further proposed strike action next month. This comes as members of Unite the union have voted in favour of accepting a pay rise offer from the company. 

Drivers at Stagecoach went on strike for four consecutive days in August, and further strike action was proposed for later in the year. However, the union members voted in favour of accepting an offer which was made to them by Stagecoach earlier this month. 

Workers will see pay  increases of approximately 16% for both new and established drivers. In addition to the pay rise, workers will have pay rises for weekend and bank holiday work.  

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “This victory shows there is power in a union. Unite has fought tirelessly for a better pay deal for our members. Our relentless focus on the jobs, pay and conditions for the bus drivers at Stagecoach, allied with their grit and determination, has led to this important win.”

 Unite north-west regional officer, Colin Hayden, added: “I’m delighted for our members who have fought tirelessly for a better pay deal – they should be congratulated on their resolve. While Stagecoach drivers will head back to work, the pressure is now on First Manchester to head back to the negotiating table with an improved offer – our members there will be looking at the victory secured here and demanding the same.”