Greater Manchester has launched a new scheme to make becoming a Bee Network bus driver a more attractive long-term and flexible career.
The Licence for Greater Manchester (LfGM) will ensure drivers do not have to go on the starter rate of pay when changing between operators – as has traditionally been the case – in a bid to encourage a new generation of drivers to get behind the wheel.
This extra flexibility means drivers can move around Greater Manchester to develop their careers and keep broadly the same pay. Traditionally, drivers would have to start at entry levels of pay, even if they had years of experience with a different operator.
The safeguard to the pay of more than 4,000 Bee Network drivers – and that of all future recruits – comes after the scheme was agreed by bus operators, Unite the Union and Transport of Greater Manchester (TfGM).
It builds on work already undertaken around terms and conditions, including operators adopting the Greater Manchester Good Employers Charter.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“By bringing all bus services in Greater Manchester together under the Bee Network we’ve been able to deliver massive benefits to passengers, who no longer have to buy different tickets from different bus operators.
“We can now extend that change to Bee Network bus drivers, who’ll benefit from this ‘one system’ approach, with the ability to build a long-term career in Greater Manchester.
“Not only do we want to attract new talent and nurture the next generation of drivers, we want to retain the experienced drivers who are fundamental to keeping the Bee Network running day in, day out.
“I must thank Unite and other trade unions for their role in shaping not just this initiative, but the Bee Network itself, as well as the Transport Workforce Engagement Board which proposed the Licence for GM scheme.”
Bus operators are currently recruiting drivers to join them and contribute to the success of the Bee Network, with the LfGM making the role an even more attractive proposition.
