West Midlands bus drivers strike action called off

Members of the Unite union have agreed a new pay deal with National Express

Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 25th Mar 2023
Last updated 25th Mar 2023

National Express bus drivers in the West Midlands have voted in favour of a new pay deal.

It brings days of strikes by Unite union members to an end, after staff took action to call for better pay and working conditions.

Unite said the offer accepted by more than 3,100 drivers includes a one-year 16.2% pay increase and improvements to their accident pay and hourly rates for working over the Christmas holidays.

More than 200 National Express engineers voted last week to accept a separate pay deal.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is an important win for Unite members. By standing together our members at National Express secured an above-inflation pay offer.

"Unite will leave no stone unturned to defend workers' pay. This is yet another example of how Unite's relentless focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions results in real 'money in the pockets' of our members."

Unite national officer Onay Kasab said: "We congratulate every one of our members for making this stand and winning."

Drivers on a picket line in Coventry on Monday 20th March

National Express West Midlands has confirmed the action's coming to an end.

The company is warning passengers there will still be a reduced timetable in place tomorrow and some minor disruption on Monday.

Hear all the latest news from across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus on Tay FM. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.