Greater Manchester bus strikes by members of Unite employed at First Manchester and Greater Manchester Accessible Transport (GMAT) are off following improved pay deals.
First Bus drivers in Oldham voted to accept a deal worth 18 per cent overall. This includes a £1,100 payment in lieu of backpay from April, a 14.8 per cent increase from 3 September and a further 3.2 per cent increase from 2 January. Bank holiday pay has also increased to £20 per hour.
GMAT drivers balloted in favour of a 10 per cent increase backdated to April, a £350 one off payment for all staff and an extra day’s holiday per year.
GMAT has also committed to signing up to the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. This will improve terms and conditions, including improvements to sick pay, flexible working and maternity leave.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Congratulations to our First Oldham and GMAT members who achieved substantial victories by standing together in their union and refusing to back down. These results are further proof that Unite’s total concentration on improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members.”
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “These excellent pay deals came about through the hard work and determination of our reps and members at First and GMAT. I encourage anyone who wants better wages and working conditions to join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”
