Manchester Bee Network bus strikes called off after drivers secure 12% pay offer
Unite members at Stagecoach and Metroline accept improved two-year deal
Bus drivers working for Manchester’s integrated Bee Network have called off their planned strikes after accepting what Unite the Union has described as a “vastly improved” pay deal.
Almost 2,000 Unite members employed by Stagecoach and Metroline were due to strike on 18th, 23rd and 24th October in a dispute over pay.
However, the union confirmed the industrial action has been cancelled after drivers voted to accept a 12 per cent pay rise spread over two years.
The first increase of 5.9 per cent will be fully backdated to April 2025, followed by another 5.9 per cent rise next April. The uplift will apply across all pay rates, including weekend and sick pay.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Bus drivers do difficult, essential jobs day in day out and deserve pay that reflects this. Unite is pleased the bus companies came to their senses with a greatly improved offer.
“This is an excellent, well-deserved win for our members at Stagecoach and Metroline who took on their employers in the fight for better pay and won. It proves the power of a union.”
As part of the deal, bus drivers will also receive enhancements to Christmas working pay and time off in lieu. The previous 12-month new starter rate has been scrapped, meaning new drivers will now receive full pay once training—typically lasting six to 12 weeks—is complete.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) and Mayor Andy Burnham have also pledged to work with Unite to address long-standing concerns across the sector, including access to toilets, adequate rest breaks and pension arrangements.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “This is a fantastic deal for drivers at Metroline and Stagecoach, which gives them a baked-in pay rise for two years. This win only came about as the members stuck together to fight for the pay deal they deserved.
“We are also pleased that TFGM have pledged to address other problems with pay and conditions and Unite looks forward to working with them to improve this for our members at the Bee Network.”
The pay dispute had already seen bus drivers strike from 19th to 22nd September, causing major disruption across Greater Manchester with around two-thirds of services cancelled.