London’s transport misery may finally be easing after bus drivers accepted a pay increase.
The long-running pay dispute involving more than 1,800 drivers and Abellio bus company saw them stage a series of strikes in recent months.
Their action primarily affected routes in south and west London, causing chaos for commuters.
Workers at depots in Battersea, Beddington, Southall, Twickenham, Walworth and Hayes headed to the picket lines over jobs, pay and conditions.
But they have now accepted a ‘greatly improved’ pay offer, showing the ongoing industrial action across private and public sectors in the UK can result in a success.
Unite confirmed that drivers with more than two years’ service will be paid £18-an-hour, equating to a pay increase of 18% on the basic rate.
General secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘This is an important pay victory. Workers have stood firm and with the support of their union, Unite, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase.
‘Unite’s constant focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of members is continuing to deliver increased pay awards for workers.’
A new scheduling agreement will also be negotiated, including about rest breaks and start times to bring the dispute to an end.
In addition to the pay increase, the union reps have been reinstated after being dismissed.
Unite had made it clear there would be no resolution without the reinstatement of the rep.
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