Huddersfield bus strike called off as Unite members mull new pay offer
Unite members were due to take action from Monday
Last updated 31st Jan 2025
Major disruption to bus services in Huddersfield has been averted, with Unite calling off strike action planned to start on Monday.
Around 170 drivers have backed strike action after rejecting a pay rise to £15.43 an hour from April.
The members of the Unite union claimed the pay settlement would be lower than that received by other First Group drivers working in West Yorkshire, as well as pay packets for drivers at rival firms.
They've agreed to walk out from Monday (February 3) until February 16, with a second period of strike action between February 24 and March 9 if there is no progress in negotiations.
However, it's understood Unite is set to ballot drivers again on a deal over pay.
Unite regional officer Darren Rushworth said: “Following an improved offer from First West Yorkshire, Unite has suspended strikes in order to ballot its members on the new offer.”
Megan Hope, Operations Director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire said:
“We are delighted that Unite is recommending this generous offer in pay for our Huddersfield drivers.
“We have continued to talk with Unite and invited representatives to review the structure of the deal available to reach a settlement that would benefit the drivers, whilst not increasing the overall cost.
“The whole team continues to focus on delivering an excellent service throughout the communities we serve in the Huddersfield area and avoiding the disruption of industrial action.”