Industrial action due to take place from today by almost 2,000 bus drivers working for Manchester’s Bee Network has been called off.

The drivers, members of Unite were due to walk out today, tomorrow (11 October) and Monday (13 October) in a dispute about pay.

However, this has been called off after the companies they work for, Metroline and Stagecoach, came back with a new pay offer.

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “Following negotiations between the companies and Unite, workers have received an improved pay offer.

“We have therefore suspended strike action to allow members to vote on whether or not to accept this deal.”

Metroline and Stagecoach are both part of Manchester’s integrated Bee Network transport system.

Pending the outcome of the ballot, further strikes by the drivers on 18, 23 and 24 October could still go ahead.

Manchester Bee Network bus strikes suspended as workers vote on new pay deal