First bus strikes in Leeds postponed
First bus services will continue as normal from tomorrow, following major disruption yesterday and today.
It's been announced that strike action on First busses in Leeds will be postponed.
It started yesterday and carried on into this morning (19/6/23), causing disruption across the city with services either cancelled or reduced.
The Union will now ballot their members on a new offer that's been put forward.
Commuters across Leeds have been affected, we spoke to Nigel Lee outside Leeds Bus Station:
"I set off from Bramley at quarter to six, hoping to get on the Bradford bus but they were all full, so I've ended up walking from Bramley, to here, and I've got to get the bus from here to Cross Gates."
He went on to say:
"I support the strike, I have been in the trade union since I was 15, so, I am a trade unionist, no grudges but I just hoped the Bradford busses wouldn't be as full, they were absolutely rammed, but yeah we'll get there and I hope they get what they want as well."
Andrew Cullen, Managing Director of First North & West Yorkshire, said:
“We are delighted to have agreed a pay settlement and that Unite has postponed its industrial action immediately.
“Unite is committed to put this recommended offer to its members in a ballot on Thursday 29 June.
“Our team is now focused on preparing for a return to full services across our Leeds network from tomorrow (Tuesday 20 June).
“We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding since Sunday and will provide further information later today.”